Controlled Drugs: Supply

Question 1

What is needed to be in possession of a Schedule 2 or 3 CD?

Answer 1

A license from the home office.

Question 2

Which schedules are pharmacists allowed to prescribe?

Answer 2

Schedules 2 to 5

Question 3

What are the prescription requirements for a Schedule 2 or 3 CD?

Answer 3

signed by person issuing
be dated
written so as to be indelible
specify the address of the person issuing it
specify dose
specify the form
specify strength of preparation if more than one preparation available
either total quantity in both words and figures or the number (in both words and figures of dosage units)
if issued by dentist the words ‘for dental treatment only’
specify the name and address of the person for whose treatment it is issued.

Question 4

When can a schedule 2/3 CD not be prescribed?

Answer 4

if it does not comply with previous provisions
if prescribers address is not within the UK
believes the signature is not genuine
before the appropriate date on the prescription
later than 28 days after the appropriate date
(good practice that does not exceed 30 days supply)

Question 5

What is the expiry date of a schedule 2, 3 or 4 CD?

Answer 5

cannot be dispensed 28 days after the appropriate date

Question 6

What is the expiry date for schedule 2, 3 or 4 CD owing?

Answer 6

the full quantity of owing must be dispensed within 28 days

Question 7

Are repeat prescriptions for schedule 2 & 3 allowed?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

Are repeat prescriptions for schedule 4 & 5 allowed?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

What are the expiry dates for a Schedule 4 repeat prescription?

Answer 9

first dispensing should be within 28 days, after that there is no time limit for the repeats

Question 10

What are the expiry dates for a Schedule 5 repeat prescription?

Answer 10

first dispensing should be within 6 months, after that there is no time limit for the repeats

Question 11

What are the requirements for a private Schedule 2 and 3 CD?

Answer 11

(as well as previous requirements)
must be on standardised form (FP10CD)
must have private prescribers identification number

Question 12

What is done with a private Schedule 2 and 3 CD after dispensing?

Answer 12

The private prescription is sent to the NHSBSA for audit purposes and a copy of the prescription is kept for 2 years.

Question 13

Can a pharmacist prescribe a CD prescription if there are errors?

Answer 13

May supply if there is a minor typographical/spelling mistake
Can also be supplied if the total quantity/dosage units is not specified on the prescription in either words or figures, but not both.
[can only occur provided pharmacist has exercised all due diligence & believes prescription is genuine, believes is acting in accordance with practitioner, amends prescription in indelible ink, marks prescription to show they have amended it.

Question 14

What are the legal requirements for the collection of a Schedule 2 & 3 CD?

Answer 14

If patient/representative collects, ask for proof of identification
If healthcare professional ask for name and address and evidence of identity

Question 15

What are the regulations for the controlled drugs register?

Answer 15

entries must be in chronological sequence 
entries must be in ink or otherwise indelible 
must be separate sections for each class and separate parts for different strengths and forms