POM to P codeine linctus — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPharmacy Law and EthicsPOM to P codeine linctusGPhC CRA

A patient regularly prescribed codeine linctus has run out while away from home. The pharmacist can verify immediate need and previous treatment, but no prescription can be obtained today. If all patient-request emergency-supply conditions are met, what is the maximum legal quantity?

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Correct answer: B — Five days of treatment

Codeine linctus is now prescription only. A qualifying low-concentration oral codeine preparation falls within Schedule 5, and regulation 225 limits a patient-request emergency supply of a Schedule 4 or 5 controlled drug to five days’ treatment. All other statutory conditions must also be met; pack size and the previous quantity do not override the five-day maximum.

Reference: MHRA codeine-linctus reclassification; HMR regulation 225; Misuse of Drugs Regulations Schedule 5: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/codeine-linctus-to-be-reclassified-to-a-prescription-only-medicine-because-of-risk-of-abuse-and-addiction; https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1916/regulation/225; https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/3998/schedule/5/made