10 Controlled Drugs (CDs) Prescribing Policy
In accordance with UK legislation and recent amendments to The Human Medicines Regulations 2012, clinicians working with Healthify.Clinic Ltd may prescribe Schedule 4 and 5 Controlled Drugs (CDs) electronically. However, all of the following conditions must be strictly adhered to:
10.1 General Conditions for CD Prescribing
- The patient must explicitly consent to sharing their clinical notes with their NHS GP.
- If this consent is declined, the clinician must not proceed with the prescription.
- During video consultations, clinicians must:
- Confirm the patient’s identity using full name, DOB, and address.
- Request the patient to show photo ID on-screen.
- Document identity verification in the clinical notes.
- CDs must not be prescribed to patients located abroad, including within the European Union.
10.2 Limitations on Supply
- CDs are to be prescribed only to meet immediate clinical need.
- The maximum prescription quantity must not exceed a 5-day supply or the quantity limits outlined in this policy.
- Clinicians must be satisfied that no significant risk to patient safety exists before prescribing any CD.
10.3 Repeat Prescribing of Controlled Drugs
- Repeat prescriptions for CDs are not supported under clinic policy.
- A bridging prescription may be issued only under exceptional circumstances:
- Maximum of 7 days’ supply in any 6-month period.
- The clinical rationale must be clearly documented in the consultation notes.
10.4 Benzodiazepines
- Only Diazepam may be prescribed under the following conditions:
- Formulations permitted: 2mg or 5mg tablets only.
- Maximum quantity: 15 tablets.
- Indications: flight anxiety, use as a muscle relaxant, pre-procedural anxiety eg MRI scan.
- Diazepam 10mg tablets must not be prescribed.
- Alprazolam is not permitted under any circumstances.
- Any decision to prescribe benzodiazepines other than diazepam must be:
- Clinically justified and
- Documented in detail within the consultation notes.
10.5 Z-drugs
Healthify.Clinic Ltd does not issue Z-drugs (e.g., Zolpidem, Zopiclone) as part of its service.
10.6 Co-Codamol (Schedule 5)
Prescriptions for Co-Codamol(Schedule 5) are restricted to a maximum of 32 tablets per prescription, regardless of the formulation (dispersible, effervescent tablets, capsules, or oral solution), once in 6 months.
10.6 Dihydrocodeine (Schedule 2/5)
Dihydrocodeine is classified as a Schedule 5 controlled drug and due to high potential for misuse or abuse, Healthify.Clinic ltd does not issue any Dihydrocodeine medications.
