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Benzodiazepine emergency supply — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCNS TherapeuticsBenzodiazepine emergency supplyGPhC CRA

A 45-year-old man asks for an emergency supply of diazepam 5mg tablets because he lost his prescription. His PMR shows intermittent supplies from different prescribers and the latest prescription was for 2mg at night for 7 days. He appears anxious but not in withdrawal. What is the legal classification/requirement?

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Correct answer: B — decline patient-requested emergency supply and contact the prescriber or urgent care service

Diazepam is a Schedule 4 controlled drug, but patient-requested emergency supply of Schedule 4 CDs is restricted to a small quantity when conditions are met. The pattern of supplies and dose discrepancy require caution and prescriber verification. The pharmacist should consider dependence, diversion and patient safety while signposting to appropriate urgent care. A 30-day supply or unsupervised substitution would be inappropriate.

Reference: Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001; MEP; BNF