Validity of CD prescriptions
The Department of Health introduced changes to the prescribing, supply
and dispensing of Controlled Drugs in England on 1 April 2006.
Pharmacists are advised that wherever possible the Department of Health
guidance should be followed, however, the arrangements will not be enforceable
until legislation changes in early summer.
The validity of prescriptions (both NHS and private) for Schedule 2,
3 and 4 Controlled Drugs is to be reduced to 28 days. Where a prescription
is received, it will be valid for a period of 28 days from the start
date. However, if the prescriber has also incorporated a start date in
the body of the prescription, then the prescription will be valid for
a period of 28 days from that start date. As a matter of good practice,
the prescriber should endorse the date stated where it differs from the
date of signing.
The same arrangements outlined above also apply to FP10 (MDA) prescriptions.
The first instalment only must be dispensed within the 28-day limit,
with the remainder of the instalments dispensed in accordance with the
instructions on the prescription.
Until legislative changes have been made, pharmacists may, in exceptional
circumstances, dispense outside the Department of Health guidance in
accordance with a legally valid prescription. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal