17 November 2020
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 200007A RE: FMDPNI
28th October 2020
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 COVID Update 141
11th August 2020
Serious Shortage Protocol: Important information
Update on SSPs has been issued by DH.
For more information see CPNI COVID Update 118
29th July 2020
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 Contractor Update
22nd July 2020
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 Contractor Update
1st July 2020
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 COVID Update 109
24th June 2020
Supply of Controlled Drugs via the Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic
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 COVID Update 107
17th June 2020
Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service
For more information see CPNI COVID Update 106
15th June 2020
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 Contractor Update
20th May 2020
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 COVID Update 96
18th May 2020
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 COVID Update 93
1st May 2020
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 COVID Update 81
28th April 2020
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 6th April 2020 and operates during all the pharmacy’s opening hours.
For more information see CPNI COVID Update 77
7th April 2020
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 COVID Update 45
7th April 2020
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 COVID Update 44
2nd April 2020
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 6th April 2020.
For more information see CPNI COVID Update 37
31st March 2020
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 COVID Update 34
29th March 2020
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 COVID Update 27
25th March 2020
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 COVID Update 18
19th March 2020
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 COVID Update 11
13th March 2020
Serious Shortage Protocol (Fluoxetine 10mg Tablets) Important information
Information on SSPs has been issued by DH.
For more information see CPNI Contractor Update
20th November 2019
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 15th November 2019. For more information see:
19th August 2019
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:
21st March 2019
Reclassification of Pregabalin and Gabapentin/Controlled Drugs Declarations and Self-Assessments
- From 1st 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.