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CD prescription validity — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePharmacy Law and EthicsCD prescription validityGPhC CRA

A patient presents an NHS prescription for diazepam 5 mg tablets dated 35 days ago. It is otherwise legally complete. The patient says the delay was due to travel. What is the legal classification/requirement?

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Correct answer: D — The prescription is no longer valid for dispensing because Schedule 4 CD prescriptions are valid for 28 days

Diazepam is a Schedule 4 controlled drug and prescriptions for Schedule 2, 3 and 4 CDs are generally valid for 28 days. A 35-day-old prescription should not be dispensed. Telephone confirmation cannot extend legal validity after the event. Emergency supply has separate conditions and is not a mechanism to dispense an expired prescription.

Reference: Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001; MEP