Several legislative changes to controlled drug laws come into force with effect from tomorrow. These changes affect tramadol, lisdexamphetamine, zopiclone and zaleplon.
Tramadol will become a Schedule 3 CD and lisdexamphetamine will become a Schedule 2 CD. Scripts can only be issued by a prescriber with a UK address, are only valid for 28 days, prescription must meet Controlled Drug Prescription requirements and they cannot be repeated.
Zopiclone and zaleplon are both being added to Schedule 4. This limits prescription validity to 28 days. All four drugs must also now be denatured during disposal.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of these changes and of the impact these changes may have upon current prescribing practices.