Controlled Drugs

Some medicines, like ADHD treatments or strong painkillers, are controlled drugs and need extra rules for safe prescribing. Controlled drugs are regulated by the government for their manufacture, possession or use, because of the potential for abuse or addiction.

Our GP practice follows NHS guidelines for safe prescribing:

• Regular Check-Ups: You must have health reviews to keep getting prescriptions. Missing check-ups may delay your medication.
• Prescription Limits: Controlled drugs are usually given in 30-day supplies. Lost prescriptions may not be replaced.

You have an important role in keeping your medicine secure and safely out of reach of others. If your controlled medication is lost or stolen, you must report it to the police.

We will not automatically replace lost or stolen controlled medication 

• We will document the loss or theft in your medical records, along with the police log number.
• The GP will review the case to decide if a replacement prescription is appropriate.  The decision will depend on the specific circumstances and the need to ensure safe prescribing.
• We may change how often you can order prescriptions or reduce the amount of medicine you get each time, especially if you lose them more than once.

This policy is in place to ensure the safe and responsible prescribing of controlled drugs.