Supply of Medicines Law 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering legal classifications of medicines, prescription requirements, Controlled Drugs, supply routes, record keeping, and professional responsibilities.

Human Medicines Regulations 2012

The legal framework that governs the classification of medicines in the UK based primarily on risk and degree of control.

General Sales List (GSL)

Low-risk medicines suitable for self-care that can be bought without a prescription from any general retail outlet (e.g., supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies) in limited pack sizes and strengths.

Pharmacy Medicine (P)

Medicines that do not require a prescription but can only be sold from a registered pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist, often after an assessment of suitability and safety.

Prescription Only Medicine (POM)

Medicines that require a prescription from an authorized prescriber or supply under specific legal exemptions (e.g., a PGD) due to higher potential risk needing medical supervision.

Omeprazole 10mg capsules

An example of a Pharmacy Medicine (P) used for indigestion and reflux.

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablet

An example of a Pharmacy Medicine (P) used as emergency contraception.

Glyceryl Trinitrate spray

A Pharmacy Medicine (P) for angina that can be supplied by a pharmacist in specific situations, such as when a patient has forgotten their medicine or is on holiday.

Sumatriptan 50mg tablets

A Pharmacy Medicine (P) for migraine requiring a full questionnaire and consultation prior to supply to ensure correct diagnosis and rule out serious conditions such as brain tumour or haemorrhage.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

A major healthcare risk addressed by restricting antibiotics to Prescription Only Medicine (POM) status to prevent inappropriate antibiotic use.

Chloramphenicol eye drops

An over-the-counter antibiotic used for conjunctivitis that still requires a clinical assessment by the pharmacist regarding diagnosis, dose, and storage prior to supply.

Indelible ink

The mandatory writing medium for paper prescriptions, preventing text from being rubbed out (pencil is not permitted), though typed or computer-generated prescriptions are also allowed.

Six months

The standard legal validity period for most regular prescriptions from the specified date.

Controlled Drugs (CDs)

Medicines subject to additional legislation under The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Regulations 2001 due to their significant risk of misuse (e.g., Diazepam, Morphine, Fentanyl).

Controlled Drugs Register

A dedicated, mandatory register used to track stock and prevent theft or misuse of Controlled Drugs.

Green (FP10)

The most common NHS prescription form, used by GPs, nurse prescribers, independent prescribers, and supplementary prescribers.

Blue (FP10MDA)

An NHS prescription form used by GPs, nurse prescribers, independent prescribers, and supplementary prescribers for Medically Assisted Drug Addiction.

Yellow (FP10D)

An NHS prescription form specifically used by dentists.

FP10PN

An NHS prescription form used specifically by nurse prescribers.

FP10SP

An NHS prescription form used by independent prescribers and supplementary prescribers.

Private Prescriptions

Prescriptions issued outside the NHS that must meet standard legal prescription requirements and be recorded in a dedicated Private Prescription Register.

The Cascade

A legal prescribing framework for veterinary treatment that requires prescribers to start with licensed veterinary medicines before moving to human medicines if necessary.

Private Prescription Register

A dedicated register for recording private Prescription Only Medicine (POM) supplies, which must be retained for two years from the date of supply.

Veterinary Medicines Register

A separate register required for recording the supply of veterinary medicines.

Audit trail

A record created through meticulous documentation of supplied medicines and services that helps identify, investigate, and evidence errors, incidents, or quality improvement processes.