The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7201 p802-803
8 June 2002

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Letters to the Editor

Dispensing

Why snipping blister packs is not necessary in Scotland

From Mr J. Irvine, FRPharmS

I agree with Gerald Fox (PJ, 25 May, p717) and others about the benefits of original packs, but he is wrong to blame United Kingdom laws for snipped packs when the fault lies with the NHS regulations of the English and Welsh parts of the country. A letter to all Scottish contractors from the Scottish Pharmaceutical General Council dated 2 July 2001 clarifies what is now allowed under the Scottish regulations to bring a move closer to the European Directive. Basically this allows the dispensing of up to one whole strip more than the prescribed quantity, provided the prescription is endorsed.

There is an exception for Controlled Drugs, where only the exact prescribed quantity may be supplied.

John Irvine
Largs, Ayshire

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