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CD prescription validity — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyPharmacy Law and EthicsCD prescription validityGPhC CRA

A prescription for morphine sulfate tablets was signed 31 days ago and is presented today. The patient says the prescriber intended a delayed start. What is the legal classification/requirement?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Do not dispense because the controlled drug prescription has expired

Schedule 2 controlled drug prescriptions are generally valid for 28 days from the appropriate date. Supply after expiry is not legally valid. In this scenario, the correct option is do not dispense because the controlled drug prescription has expired. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001; MEP