Controlled drugs

Question 1

Latest regs on CD’s

Answer 1

Controlled drugs (Supervision of management and use) regulations 2013

Misuse of drugs act 1971 (imposed total ban)

Misuse of drugs regs 2001 (imposed limitation on possession)

Question 2

Who enforces the law?

Answer 2

Secretary of state can give licenses via the home office

Home office enforces rules through the police

Question 3

MDR 2001 classes: Sch 1

Answer 3

No therapeutic use
License needed for production, possession or supply
eg. cannabis, ecstasy,hallucinogens etc

Question 4

MDR 2001 classes: Sch 2

Answer 4

Pharmacists when acting in their professional capacity have authority to possess, supply and procure these

Eg. Morphine, dimorphine, amphetamines etc

Question 5

MDR 2001 classes: Sch 3

Answer 5

Minor stimulants less likely than Sch 2 to be abused

eg. benzphetmaine, buprenorphine, temazepam, tramadol etc

Question 6

MDR 2001 classes: Sch 4

Answer 6

Part 1: Benz POM
Benzopdiazepines, non-bz hypnotics and sativex (CB mouthspray)

Part 2: Anab POM
Anabolic and androgenic steroids, clenbuterol and growth hormones

Question 7

MDR 2001 classes: Sch 5

Answer 7

Not under full control as they are at such low strengths

eg codiene, pholcodiene, morphine

Question 8

Who can possess/supply?

Answer 8

Pharmacist/doctor/dentists have general authority over sch 2-5 which includes administration and/or prescription

Others can be given authority via home office license, paramedics/midwives (certain drugs)
Patients can have them if they have a valid prescription

Question 9

Sch 1 special rules

Answer 9

Usually requires special license from home office

Pharmacists can have them on grounds of either destroying it or handing over as evidence to the police

Can also be administered or prescribed with special license

Question 10

Import/export

Answer 10

License needed for import/export of sch 1-4

No license necessary for patients transporting sch 4

No license for import/export of sch 5’s

Question 11

Traveling abroad

Answer 11

Patient with less than 3 months of CD’s need no license

Advisable to carry prescriber letter sating name, travel plans, drug name, dose and quantity

Should also have a quick check with embassy/airline about restrictions

Question 12

Safe custody requirements

Answer 12

Sch 2/3’s must be kept in a locked ‘safe, cabinet or room which is constructed so as to prevent unauthorised access’

Exemptions possible for other non regulation storage eg. gun cabinet, bank safe’s etc

Access to CD’s should b documented

Question 13

Exceptions to safe custody

Answer 13

Sch 2: Some liquid preparations and quinalbarbitone

Sch 3: Phenobarbital, midazolam, tramadol

When a CD’s is not in safe custody it should be under the personal supervision of the pharmacist