Gabapentin and pregabalin are now reclassified as schedule 3 controlled drugs.
What does this mean for me?
Prescriptions for controlled drugs should be written for a maximum of one month’s 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.
Depending on practice policy you may wish to include the following:
- 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.