Gabapentin and Pregabalin have now been reclassified as Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs
What does this mean for me?
- Prescriptions for controlled drugs should be written for a maximum of one months supply
- Controlled drugs cannot currently be sent to community pharmacies electronically so a paper prescription may need to be printed for Gabapentin or Pregabalin
- Other medication that is not a controlled drug can still be sent to the pharmacy electronically
- When collecting your medication from the pharmacy, please check that you have everything you ordered as the pharmacy may now receive your prescriptions separately
- Prescriptions for controlled drugs must be presented at the pharmacy within 28 days of the prescription date
- Gabapentin or Pregabalin will no longer be allowed as repeat dispensing (batch prescriptions) and will need to be issued monthly from your GP surgery as a paper prescription
- Other medication can continue to be supplied as repeat dispensing if you wish
- If you collect your prescription from the surgery you will be asked to sign for it
- Due to controlled drug regulations, if you lose your prescription for Gabapentin or Pregabalin we may not be able to issue a replacement