Instalment dispensing
The Home Office has recently confirmed that the following wording can
be used by those prescribing Controlled Drugs by way of instalment
in accordance with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (“Regulations”),
as amended. This text is in addition to the usual Controlled Drug prescription
requirements (words and figures, etc). The text reads: “Instalment
prescriptions covering more than one day should be collected on the
specified day; if this collection is missed the remainder of the instalment
(ie, the instalment less the amount prescribed for the day(s) missed)
may be supplied.”
Use of this wording will enable those supplying Controlled Drugs to issue
the remainder of the instalment prescription where a person fails to
collect the instalment on the specified day. If a prescription does not
reflect such wording, the Regulations only permit the supply to be in
accordance with the prescriber’s instalment direction. Where a
prescriber does not have a handwriting exemption this wording must be
handwritten.
In line with this guidance provided by the Home Office, the Society is
of the opinion that where this direction is written and is clear and
unambiguous, the pharmacist would be in a position to supply the remainder
of the instalment. The pharmacist must, however, use his or her professional
judgement in deciding whether making the supply, less the days missed,
would be appropriate. The pharmacist must take into consideration the
possibility that the patient may have used illegal substances in the
interim period and must decide whether it may be appropriate to contact
the prescriber to ensure that he or she is content for the supply to
be made. Pharmacists must ensure that all prescription endorsements and
entries in the CD register correctly reflect the supply made. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal