Dispensing Practice & Controlled Drugs Flashcards

A prescription for 'MST Continus 30mg tablets' is presented. What does 'MST Continus' indicate?

Answer: Modified-release morphine sulfate tablets

MST Continus is a brand of modified-release morphine sulfate tablets, providing 12-hourly controlled release. This is a Schedule 2 CD requiring full CD prescription requirements.

Which of the following is NOT permitted on a Schedule 2 CD prescription?

Answer: Total quantity expressed as words only without figures

CD prescriptions must state the total quantity in both words AND figures (e.g., thirty (30) tablets). Words alone are not sufficient; both are legally required.

What is the role of the Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer (CDAO)?

Answer: To ensure proper management and use of CDs within their organisation and investigate concerns

CDAOs, established under the Health Act 2006, are responsible for overseeing CD governance, investigating concerns, maintaining CD registers, and reporting significant incidents within their organisation.

A patient states they lost their methadone prescription. What is the correct pharmacist action?

Answer: Contact the prescriber, do not dispense on the verbal statement alone; a new prescription is required

Lost CD prescriptions cannot simply be replaced by the pharmacist. The prescriber must be contacted; a new, valid prescription is required before dispensing. Patient history and risk must be assessed.

Which strength of naloxone is carried as an emergency medicine in community pharmacies under some NHS England schemes?

Answer: Naloxone 400 micrograms/mL injection and/or 1.8 mg intranasal spray

Under take-home naloxone schemes, pharmacies supply naloxone 400 mcg/mL injection or Nyxoid 1.8 mg nasal spray for opioid overdose reversal in community settings.

What is the definition of a 'wholesale dealer' under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012?

Answer: A person who sells or supplies medicines for the purpose of sale or supply by others

A wholesale dealer supplies medicines to others who will then sell or supply them (e.g., pharmacies, hospitals), as opposed to a retail sale directly to patients or end users.