apteekkariyksikkö

An apteekkariyksikkö, or pharmacy unit, is a term used in the Finnish pharmaceutical system to represent a standardized measure of a medication. It is not a physical unit but rather a conceptual one used for pricing, dispensing, and reimbursement purposes. The apteekkariyksikkö is typically based on the smallest commercially available package size of a specific drug, or a standard quantity defined by regulatory bodies.

The concept ensures consistency in how prescription drugs are handled and accounted for, regardless of the actual quantity dispensed to a patient. When a prescription is filled, the number of apteekkariyksiköt dispensed is recorded. This number is then used to calculate the patient's co-payment, the pharmacy's reimbursement from Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland), and for inventory management.

The specific value of an apteekkariyksikkö can vary depending on the drug. For example, one apteekkariyksikkö might correspond to a single tablet, a specific volume of liquid, or a certain number of doses. This standardization simplifies the complex process of drug distribution and ensures fair and transparent pricing across all pharmacies in Finland. The definition and application of apteekkariyksikkö are governed by national pharmaceutical legislation and guidelines.