Changes to prescriptions for Gabapentin and Pregabalin Posted or Updated on 9 Nov 2023

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

From April 2019 Gabapentin and Pregabalin will be reclassified as controlled drugs in the UK, as a result there will be changes to how prescriptions are issued and collected from the surgery.

What this change means for you:

• Your prescription for Gabapentin or Pregabalin can no longer be sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy.  This change will not affect how we send prescriptions for your other medications.
• If you currently have your medication on repeat dispensing batches, Gabapentin and Pregabalin can no longer be issued in this way and you or your pharmacy will need to request this item every month.
• You or your representative (including pharmacies) will need to collect the prescription for from the surgery.
• A form of ID (ideally photographic) will need to be provided when collecting your prescription.

If you order your prescriptions directly through the surgery and would like your pharmacy to collect your prescription for Gabapentin or Pregabalin please ensure you let them know each month as they will not be automatically informed that there is a controlled drug prescription for collection.

If your pharmacy normally orders prescriptions on your behalf please speak with them to clarify what they would like you to do.

If you have any questions regarding this change please feel free to contact us or speak to your community pharmacist. For further information regarding this change in legislation please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pregabalin-and-gabapentin-to-be-controlled-as-class-c-drugs