With official figures showing pregabalin related deaths to 111 and gabapentin related deaths to 59, the Home Office launched on 13th November three options for the reclassification of these two drugs.
The options for its reclassification includes schedule 3, this would mean fulfilling the requirement for them to be stored in a safe locked storage.
The fear within community pharmacy is further costs – to have a large enough suitable locked storage cabinet that is ideally bolted against a wall. If your current CD cabinet has enough space, then you’re fine, but the likelihood is that you require the space and room.
On the other hand, wholesalers would require a CD Home Office licence to ensure they can continue their business. However, not knowing what category these two drugs would go under makes it difficult to apply for the current licence, so you must wait. We play the waiting game.