§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the private prescription of Temazepam and other drugs is controlled and regulated; what record is kept by(a) doctors and (b) pharmacists of private prescriptions; what plans she has to tighten up the private prescription of Temazepam; and if she will make a statement. [19011]
§ Mr. BowisTemazepam is a prescription-only medicine under the Medicines Act 1968 and is also controlled under schedule 4 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985.
When prescribing in a private capacity, general practitioners operate outside the general medical service regulations. It is good professional practice to keep accurate medical records. The General Medical Council has regarded as serious professional misconduct the prescription or supply of drugs of dependence otherwise than in the course of bona fide treatment.
When a private prescription is dispensed by a pharmacist an entry must be made in the prescription-only register on the date of dispensing or, if that is not reasonably practicable, on the following day. The register must be preserved for two years after the date of the last entry, and the prescription must be retained for two years from the date on which the prescription-only medicine was supplied, or for a repeat prescription two years from the date on which the prescription was dispensed for the last time.
The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985 require that the dispensing pharmacist should retain private prescriptions for controlled drugs for two years from the date of dispensing. They also require that private prescriptions should be produced for inspection on request by the Home Office drugs inspectorate or by other persons authorised to demand this information.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to ban Temazepam in its jelly formulation; and if she will make a statement. [19023]
§ Mr. BowisThe abuse of Temazepam capsules by drug misusers is of particular concern and we are keeping the position under review.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines she has issued to health authorities on the prescription of Temazepam; what is the latest date that she issued these guidelines; what guidelines she plans to issue; and if she will make a statement. [19012]
§ Mr. BowisInformation about the effects of Temazepam on patients is given in the British National Formulary, which is issued by the Department to all general practitioners free of charge.
In 1993, the Department asked family health services authorities to work with local general practitioners to agree local targets on the reduction of all benzodiazepine prescribing.
In March 1994, the Department distributed copies of the Mental Health Foundation's booklet "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Benzodiazepine Dependence" to every family health services authority and recommended their use by general practitioners wishing to help patients who may be dependent on benzodiazepines. The need for further guidance is being kept under review.