13 Jun 25 CPNI CU#250613A RE: DoH Correspondence Regarding Stock Requisitions
21 May 25 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
15 Apr 25 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
01 Apr 25 CPNI CU#250401B RE: CONTROLLED DRUG DECLARATION AND SELF-ASSESSMENT 2025 REMINDER
05 Mar 25 CPNI CU#250305B RE: CONTROLLED DRUG DECLARATION AND SELF-ASSESSMENT 2025
03 Mar 25 CPNI CU#250303B RE: Private prescriptions and private stock requisitions for controlled drugs
30 Dec 24 CPNI CU#241230A RE: Windsor Framework: reminder of guidance issued on arrangements for medicines
24 Dec 24 CPNI CU#241224A RE: MRG Correspondence on Stock Requisitions
20 Dec 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
20 Dec 24 CPNI CU#241220A RE: Restrictions on Puberty Suppressing Hormones (Puberty Blockers) in NI
18 Dec 24 CPNI CU#241218B RE: Windsor Framework: arrangements for medicines
28 Aug 24 CPNI CU#240828A RE: CMO Letter – New Restrictions on Puberty Suppressing Hormones in NI
08 Aug 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
17 Jul 24 CPNI CU#240717A RE: DHNI Letter: Supplies to Registered Paramedics
09 Jul 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
21 May 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
08 May 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
27 Mar 24 CPNI CU#240327A RE: REMINDER: CONTROLLED DRUG DECLARATION AND SELF-ASSESSMENT 2024
20 Mar 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
28 Feb 24 CPNI CU#240228B RE: CONTROLLED DRUG DECLARATION AND SELF-ASSESSMENT 2024
26 Feb 24 CPNI CU#240226B RE: Codeine linctus: reclassification to prescription only medicine (POM)
20 Feb 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
01 Feb 24 CPNI CU#240201A RE: Correspondence Regarding Valproate Safety Materials
30 Jan 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
04 Dec 23 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
17 Nov 23 CPNI CU#231117C RE: Weekly Summary
08 Nov 23 CPNI CU#231108A RE: Correspondence regarding supply of Valproate
09 Oct 23 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
09 Oct 23 CPNI CU#231009A RE: DoH Correspondence Regarding Prescription Collection Procedures
29 Sep 23 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
26 Aug 23 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. Permethrin 5% cream has been added to this list. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.
21 Jul 23 CPNI CU#230721A RE: PSNI Statement on Meeting Regulatory Standards During Shortages of Medicines
19 Jun 23 CPNI CU#230619A RE: Medicines that cannot be exported from the UK or hoarded.
02 May 23 CPNI CU#230502C RE: Medicines That You Cannot Export from the UK or Hoard
20 Mar 23 CPNI CU#230320A RE: Electronic/Computerised Controlled Drug Registers
01 Mar 23 CPNI CU#230301A RE: Controlled Drug Declarations and Self-Assessments
16 Jan 23 CPNI CU#230116B RE: PSNI Changes to Responsibilities of Responsible and Superintendent Pharmacists
29 Dec 22 CPNI CU#221229A RE: DHNI’s Advice on Private Prescribing and Requirements for Prescriptions
01 Dec 22 CPNI CU#221201B RE: Changes to Responsibilities of RPs and SPs
31 Oct 22 CPNI CU#221031A RE: The Pharmaceutical Society NI: Contractor Information
11 Apr 22 CPNI CU#220411A RE: Emergency Supply During a Pandemic
25 Mar 22 CPNI CU#220325B RE: Enclosing Correspondence from MRG/HSCB in Respect of Inspections During COVID
14 Mar 22 CPNI CU#220314B RE: Online CD Declarations and Self-assessments
09 Mar 22 CPNI CU#220309A RE: REMINDER Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service Survey
02 Mar 22 CPNI CU#220302A RE: REMINDER Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service
02 Feb 22 CPNI CU#220202A RE: PSNI: CPD and Registration Management using Regulator Online
31 Jan 22 CPNI CU#220131C RE: Presentation of Fraudulent RoI Private Prescriptions in Belfast Area
31 Jan 22 CPNI CU#220131B RE: Smoking Regulations
15 Dec 21 CPNI CU#211215D RE: Managing Personal Data on Disclosure UK
23 Jul 21 CPNI CU#210723B RE: Use of EMA Authorised Medicines in Northern Ireland
10 Mar 21 CPNI CU#210310B RE: Controlled Drug Declaration 2021: Now Online
24 Feb 21 CPNI CU#2102023B RE: Lessons from Community Pharmacy Inspections
24 Feb 21 CPNI CU#210224A RE: Premises Self-Assessment Update
12 Feb 21 CPNI CU#210212B RE: Premises Self-Assessment
12 Feb 21 CPNI CU#210212A RE: Controlled Drug Private Prescriptions and Private Stock Requisitions
29 Jan 21 CPNI CU#210129B RE: Updated Advice on Opioid Substitution Therapy
11 Jan 21 CPNI CU#210111A RE: Import Declarations for Medicines and Medicines Supplies
07 Jan 21 CPNI COVID-19 CU#173 RE: The Human Medicines (Coronavirus) (Further Amendments) Regulations 2020
23 Dec 20 CPNI COVID-19 CU#167 RE: COVID-19 Christmas and New Year Arrangements
17 Dec 20 CPNI CU#201217B RE: Prescriptions Issued by EEA Practitioners
10 Dec 20 CPNI COVID19 CU#156 RE: Instalment Dispensing During the COVID Period
25 Nov 20 CPNI CU#201125A RE: Substitution Service
18 Nov 20 CPNI CU#201118A RE: Specials
17 Nov 20
Update on the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) in Northern Ireland Post 31 December 2020
Reminder of continuing obligations on FMD post 31 December 2020.
For more information see CPNI CU#201117A
28 Oct 20
The Human Medicines (Coronavirus & Influenza) (Amendment) Regulations 2020: Amendments to The Human Medicines Regulations 2012
The Department of Health has issued a letter confirming that amendments have been made to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to support the rapid and effective rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza (flu) vaccine in the UK.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#141
16 Sep 20
Update on CPD Requirements for 2020/21
For more information see CPNI CU#200916A
11 Aug 20
Serious Shortage Protocol: Important information
Update on SSPs has been issued by DH.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#118
29 Jul 20
Evidence of Harm from Fake or Illicit Benzodiazepines
The Department of Health has issued a letter highlighting the availability of, and harm from, illicit drugs sold as benzodiazepines – particularly when used in conjunction with alcohol and with drugs with a respiratory depressant effect including gabapentinoids and opioids.
For more information see CPNI CU#200729A
22 Jul 20
Cannabis-based Medicinal Products
The Department of Health has issued a letter summarising and updating information in respect of cannabis-based medicinal products.
For more information see CPNI CU#200722A
01 Jul 20
Reminder: Controlled Drug Stock Requisition and Prescription Forms (Schedules 2 and 3)
HSCB has issued a letter reminding contractors of the requirements pertaining to the use of various forms to order and prescribe S2 and S3 controlled drugs.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#109
24 Jun 20
Supply of Controlled Drugs via the Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service
The Department of Health has issued a letter issuing further guidance in respect of controlled drugs and the community pharmacy emergency supply during a pandemic service as authorised under Regulation 226 of the Human Medicines Regulations (HMRs).
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#107
17 Jun 20
Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#106
15 Jun 20
Epidyolex: Advanced Notice of a Forthcoming Amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (NI) 2002
The Department of Health has issued advanced notice of an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (NI) 2020 which is expected to come into force on 24 June 2020.
For more information see CPNI CU#200615B
09 Jun 20
COVID-19 Testing in Pharmacy Settings
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#104
20 May 20
Northern Ireland Serious Shortage Protocol for Fluoxetine 40mg Capsules Activated on 20 May 2020
CPNI previously alerted contractors to the issuing of guidance by the Department of Health NI in relation to the introduction of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) in the event of a serious shortage of medicines.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#096
18 May 20
Prescribing Rights for Registered Therapeutic Radiographers, Dietitians and Paramedics in Northern Ireland
HSCB has forwarded to you a letter from the Department of Health with regards to proposed changes to legislation impacting on prescribing rights for Therapeutic Radiographers, Dietitians and Paramedics.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#093
01 May 20
PSNI Update – Notification from the Pharmaceutical Society NI on the Pre-registration Examination 2020
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#084
01 May 20
Amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012
CPNI has been working closely with DH and HSCB in respect of changes to misuse of drugs legislation being brought forward by the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#081
30 Apr 20
Addition of Pre-registration Information
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#079
28 Apr 20
Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service
The emergency supply during a pandemic service, permissible under Regulation 226 Human Medicines Regulations (HMRs) 2012, commenced on Monday 6 April 2020 and operates during all the pharmacy’s opening hours.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#077
07 Apr 20
Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service
- ‘Save the Date’ information on the HSCB COVID-19 ECHO session
- The Privacy Notice for ‘Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service’
- CPNI training video on the Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#045
07 Apr 20
Serious Shortage Protocol
CPNI previously alerted contractors to the issuing of guidance by the Department of Health NI in relation to the introduction of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) in the event of a serious shortage of medicines.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#044
03 Apr 20
COVID Payments; Easter Holiday arrangements; PPE, Emergency Supply Service & Delivery of Medicines – Summary Update +++ Updated ESS Link Included +++
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#041
02 Apr 20
Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) in conjunction with Community Pharmacy NI, is introducing a temporary Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service. This service will commence on Monday 6 April 2020.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#037
02 Apr 20
Staff Protection Checklist – Record of Reasonable Measures Implemented
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#036
31 Mar 20
Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service
Information from HSCB relating to the “Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service”.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#034
29 Mar 20
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020
New powers have been introduced under The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, and these came into operation at 11pm on 28 March 2020.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#027
25 Mar 20
Coronavirus Bill 2020 – Emergency Powers
The Government has introduced the Coronavirus Bill 2020 to provide emergency powers to deal with the current crisis.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#018
19 Mar 20
Signing for Deliveries of Controlled Drugs and Other Medicines
Guidance has been issued in respect of the signing for controlled drugs and other medicines.
For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#011
13 Mar 20
Serious Shortage Protocol (Fluoxetine 10mg Tablets) Important Information
Information on SSPs has been issued by DH.
For more information see CPNI CU#200313A
20 Nov 19
Amendments to Misuse of Drugs Legislation
The Department of Health has notified contractors and pharmacies in respect of amendments to Misuse of Drugs legislation which came into operation on 15 November 2019. For more information see:
19 Aug 19
CBD/Cannabis/Cannabidiol/Hemp Oils
The Department of Health has issued guidance for contractors in respect of the sale of CBD oils and other related oils and products. For more information see:
21 Mar 19
Reclassification of Pregabalin and Gabapentin/Controlled Drugs Declarations and Self-Assessments
- From 1 April 2019, amendments to the Misuse of Drugs (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2002 and to the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1973 come into force making Pregabalin and Gabapentin schedule 3 controlled drugs (CDs).
- The annual declaration and self-assessment form in relation to the management of controlled drugs must be completed by 31 March 2019 – a legal requirement under The Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009.