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Emergency supply of controlled drugs — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPharmacy Law and EthicsEmergency supply of controlled drugsGPhC CRA

A patient asks for an emergency supply of morphine sulfate modified-release tablets because they left their prescription at home. The PMR confirms regular use for palliative pain. The prescriber is not contactable. What is the legal classification/requirement?

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Correct answer: C — Schedule 2 controlled drugs are generally not supplied at a patient's emergency request

Emergency supply at a patient's request does not generally apply to Schedule 1, 2 or 3 controlled drugs, with a limited exception for phenobarbital for epilepsy. Morphine is a Schedule 2 controlled drug, so the pharmacist cannot make this emergency supply under that route. The patient should be signposted urgently to an appropriate prescriber or palliative care service.

Reference: Human Medicines Regulations 2012; Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001; MEP