A revised code of ethics for pharmacists will be unveiled amid mounting controversy surrounding a new deal for pharmacists to promote Blackmores products to consumers.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia will launch a new code of ethics, designed to underpin the professional role of pharmacists as health-care clinicians, at the Pharmacy Australia Congress being held in Melbourne from October 6-9.

“This code reinforces the principle that pharmacists should ensure that medicines and products they recommend are evidence-based and will have positive health outcomes for consumers,” PSA national president Grant Kardachi said.

The guidelines come after the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which represents 94 percent of Australia’s 5200 pharmacies, secured a deal to promote Blackmores dietary supplements with prescription medicines.

From October 1, the guild has agreed to begin recommending a range of Blackmores products to patients when they pick up prescriptions for antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, cholesterol drugs and proton pump inhibitors.

Mr Kardachi said when recommending complementary or other medicines to consumers, pharmacists need to work closely with the consumer’s GP to ensure their advice meets the needs of the patient’s care plan.

“Pharmacists must ensure they adhere to the Quality Use of Medicines principles, which include selecting management options wisely, choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary and using medicines safely and effectively,” he said.

Blackmores chief executive Christine Holgate told media last week Blackmores could provide ''the Coke and fries'' with prescription drugs, giving pharmacies ''a new and important revenue stream''.

Mr Kardachi said the PSA was appalled at any reference of pharmacies becoming a McDonald’s-style business.