From 1 April 2019, gabapentin and pregabalin will be reclassified as Schedule 3 controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, and Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

This has implications on those requesting and managing supplies, including the following:

• Private prescription requests must be made on an approved pink private controlled prescription form (FP10CD) adhering to CD prescription -writing requirements
• Supplies should not exceed 30 days prescribed treatment
• Supplies can only be released against a paper prescription at the pharmacy (i.e. wet signature).  However, soon CD prescriptions originating from the GP will be able to transmit to the pharmacy electronically.
• Gabapentin and pregabalin are exempted from Safe Custody regulations, which means they don’t have to be kept in a controlled drug cabinet in your establishment.

You may decide to review how you handle these medicines in light of the new controls on supply. If you’d like further guidance, contact your ward pharmacist or the Medicines Information Hotline on 0843 506 5554