Controlled Drugs

Fourteen nitazenes made Class A controlled drugs

The Home Office has made 15 new synthetic opioids Class A drugs “to prevent drug related deaths in the UK”.…

Scottish government to seek licences for street drug-checking facilities

Exclusive: Elena Whitham, Scottish drugs and alcohol policy minister, said the government is working towards launching a pilot drug-checking scheme to support those affected by substance misuse.…

Demystifying medical cannabis: five years on from legalisation

Although medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, a lack of evidence for unlicensed products has meant NHS prescribing is still extremely limited while the private market continues to grow.…

UK’s first safe drug consumption room approved to open in Glasgow

The facility will allow people to use drugs in a sterile environment under medical supervision, and access other related services.…

Rapid-acting antidepressants face a slow journey to wider use

Evidence is mounting for the effectiveness of rapid-acting antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression — but will their use ever take off in the NHS?…

Government plans to make nitrous oxide a controlled substance

Chris Philp, minister for crime, policing and fire, said the widespread availability of nitrous oxide, as well as a rise in reports of social and health harms from the substance, meant the government would control nitrous oxide under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.…

Diamorphine shortage causing former heroin users to relapse for first time in a decade, charities warn

With all strengths of diamorphine injections currently out of stock, charities have said patients are returning to using heroin.…

How to handle controlled drugs in hospitals using automation and digital systems

A review of the existing legislation and guidance on controlled drugs, compiled to offer a way forward as legislation continues to develop.…

Controlled drugs prescribing and management in hospital is lagging behind — it must go fully digital

A combination of outdated guidance and misconceptions about the law mean secondary care is missing a golden opportunity to reduce bureaucracy and improve patient safety.…

Bespoke rulers invented by hospital pharmacy staff led to 35% reduction in loss of controlled liquid drugs

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust — where the rulers were trialled — says the device could save the NHS £1.2m a year if used across all NHS hospital trusts.…