Bideford Medical Centre Addictive Medication Policy

At Bideford Medical Centre, we have systems in place to ensure the safe management,  prescribing and review of addictive medications.

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In line with national guidance, we will not routinely prescribe more than  30 days’ supply of any controlled drug medication at a time. The amount provided will be based on individual clinical assessment, and there is no guarantee 30 days’ supply will be issued.

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Lost or early requests for controlled drugs will only be issued under highly exceptional circumstances and after clinical review, if it is reported that medication has been stolen, we may request a police reference number.

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Repeated early or additional requests will be investigated, and safety measures may be introduced, such as reduced supplies or prescriptions managed on a fixed (non–patient-led) schedule.

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Medications such as opioids (codeine, tramadol, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, etc), gabapentinoids (gabapentin, pregabalin), and benzodiazepines (diazepam, etc) will not be routinely initiated for chronic pain due to significant risks outweighing the benefits as well as limited evidence for their use in most types of long-term pain.

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Medications such as benzodiazepines will not be routinely initiated for other indications such as mental health, fear of flying, claustrophobia, or insomnia due to significant risks associated.

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Patients currently taking the above medications may be contacted to be slowly and safely weaned. We can discuss possible safer alternatives, or referrals to Specialists.

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Long term users of such addictive controlled drugs may be asked to have more frequent reviews for the medication to be safely weaned. It is the responsibility of the patient to ensure this appointment is arranged to ensure the supply continues.

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Bideford Medical Centre adopts a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour perceived to be abuse of staff.

 

All instances could culminate in a warning letter or further action being taken.