A prescription containing a controlled drug belonging to Schedules 2 and 3 must fulfil the following requirements listed below as well as the general prescription requirements stated in the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
- The prescription should be indelible.
- Signed by the prescriber with their usual signature.
- Must be dated.
- State the name and address of the patient.
- Specify the address of the prescriber. The address should be in the UK.
- When more than one strength exists, state the strength of the controlled drug.
- State the formulation of the controlled drug e.g. tablet, liquid, or injection.
- State the dose to be taken e.g. take two tablets every four hours as required.
- State the total quantity of the controlled drug or the number of dosage units to be dispensed in words and figures e.g. 20 (twenty) tablets, 150 (hundred and fifty) millilitres.
- The prescription is valid for twenty-eight days after the appropriate date (except for drugs belonging to Schedule 5). The appropriate date is a) the date the prescription was signed by the prescriber, or b) the prescriber has indicated another start date on the prescription.
- If the prescription is issued by a dentist, it must have the words “for dental treatment only” written on it.
- If a veterinary surgeon issues the prescription, it must have a declaration written on it that the controlled drug is prescribed for an animal or herd under their care. The veterinary surgeon issuing the prescription must also state their Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon’s registration number.
- For a prescription that a veterinary surgeon issues, state the name and address of the owner as well as the name of the animal to which the prescribed controlled drug is to be administered.
- A private prescription to be dispensed in community pharmacies should be written on prescription form FP10PCD (England), WP10 PCD or WP10PCDSS (Wales) or PPCD(1) (Scotland). These prescription forms should specify the private prescriber identification number. Veterinary prescriptions do not need to be written on these prescription forms.
Notes:
Prescriptions can be computer-generated, but the signature must be hand-written.
A prescription for a controlled drug can be sent via the Electronic Prescription Service. If a prescription has been sent via the Electronic Prescription Service, then an advanced electronic signature can be accepted.
A prescription for a controlled drug that belongs to Schedule 5 is valid for 6 months.
State the patient’s NHS number on both NHS prescriptions and private prescriptions.
When prescribing a controlled drug in Schedule 2, 3 or 4, the Department of Health states to prescribe a quantity that meets the person’s clinical needs, but to limit this to a maximum of 30 days of treatment. If, under exceptional circumstances, a larger quantity is prescribed, it is imperative to document the reasons for this in the person’s care record/notes.
If an instalment prescription is issued for a total quantity that is intended to be provided in instalments, it must contain a direction specifying the amount of the instalments of the total amount which may be supplied and the intervals to be observed when supplying. Learn more about instalment prescriptions including the legal requirements.
References:
- The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 – Regulations 15 and 16. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/3998/contents (Accessed on 29/01/2024).
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE NG46 (2016) Controlled drugs: safe use and management. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng46 (Accessed on 29/01/2024).