Pharmacies need to check all patients who have Repeat Dispensing, with batches due after 10th June, as you will no longer be able to legally dispense Repeat Dispensing scripts after this date. Practices are in the process of reviewing patients to stop repeat dispensing for tramadol and switch to normal FP10s but may not manage to get replacement scripts to pharmacies.
To prevent patients being unable to get their medication after the 10th June it is suggested that pharmacies check to see which patients will need replacement prescriptions and how many prescriptions will be needed to cover until the end of the rest of the repeat dispensing items. Check with your local practices to see how they want to manage requests for replacement tramadol prescriptions.
Quantities will need to be written in words and figures (GP Practice Systems may not be upgraded in time for this to be automatically done – EMIS is currently updating but 100% of practices may not be updated by 10th June). However, pharmacists are reminded that they are able to add the quantity in words to CD prescriptions, and sign & endorse the prescription to that effect.
A useful poster / flyer can be downloaded below.
The PSNC have also produced a faq about CD's. This can be accessed here.