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Changes to prescribing and dispensing of controlled drugs

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

A number of further changes will be introduced, subject to Parliamentary approval where required, in the Summer 2006.  In some cases the changes will be affected through professional guidance and in others through further amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.  The key changes are:

  • Introduction of special forms for any private prescription of schedule 2 & 3 controlled drugs dispensed by community pharmacists.  Records of these prescriptions will be held on a central database so that they can be monitored by local PCTs;
  • Modified arrangements for the dispensing of NHS prescriptions for schedule 2 & 3 controlled drugs, including a new requirement for patients or other people collecting medicines on their behalf to sign for them;
  • Duration of any prescription for schedule 2, 3 & 4 controlled drugs to be restricted to 28 days;
  • Introduction of 28 day maximum quantity on prescriptions for schedule 2, 3 & 4 controlled drugs;
  • Re-emphasis of professional guidance that doctors should prescribe controlled drugs for themselves or family members only in exceptional circumstances.

Detailed guidance on these changes can be found at:

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