NPA launches new guidance on controlled drugs

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has produced new resources covering all facets of dealing with the stocking and sale of controlled drugs (CDs).

Available online for members to download, the guides include a series of 12 standard operating procedures for CDs, covering issues such as ordering new stock, dispensing prescriptions, disposing of returned products and keeping records.

Resources on legal and practical requirements associated with CDs have also been produced, in addition to the advice sheets already available for Sativex oromucosal spray and Buccal midazolam.

The industry body stated that it has introduced the new guidance due to the fact that a significant proportion of the more than 700 calls its hotline receives each day pertain to this issue.

Leyla Hannbeck, head of pharmacy at the NPA, said: "We're delighted to provide our members with useful and practical resources to help them with issues such as dealing with CD incidents and ordering pharmacy stock of CDs."

Earlier this month, the association voiced its support for a new inhaler recycling scheme launched by GlaxoSmithKline, which it believes will help bring a greater standard of sustainability practice to the pharmacy sector.