Pharmacy alerts

UK Government restrictions on the use of Puberty Suppressing Hormones (Puberty Blockers) additional information for prescribers and pharmacists/dispensing doctors. Scotland

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer (CPhO) for Scotland has issued a letter with additional information on the restrictions on use of puberty supressing hormones. This includes: Information on the NHS research study Summary of the restriction changes Buying GnRH analogues from unregulated sources Guidance on working with unregulated providers Support for children and young people affected by this change and Prescribing scenarios for prescribers and dispensers. The information can be found in the CMO’s letter. Details Date 3 Jul 2025

Valproate (Belvo, Convulex, Depakote, Dyzantil, Epilim, Epilim Chrono or Chronosphere, Episenta, Epival, and Syonell): updated safety and educational materials

Drug safety update: The MHRA has published a drug safety update on Valproate products with updated safety and educational materials to support patient discussion on reproductive risks.

Promixin® (colistimethate) 1-million-unit powder for nebuliser solution unit dose vials to be discontinued

National Patient Safety Alert: The MHRA has published a National Patient Safety Alert that Promixin (colistimethate) 1-million unit powder for nebuliser solution unit dose vials are to be discontinued.

Prolonged-release opioids: indication for relief of post-operative pain removed

Drug safety update: The MHRA has published a drug safety update on prolonged-release opioids.

Valproate (Belvo, Convulex, Depakote, Dyzantil, Epilim, Epilim Chrono or Chronosphere, Episenta, Epival, and Syonell): review by two specialists required for male patients

Drug safety update: The MHRA has published a drug safety update on the requirements for initiating valprote products.

Original pack dispensing

From 1 January 2025, NHS community pharmacists and their teams can dispense up to 10% more or less than the quantity prescribed of eligible medicines on NHS prescriptions if it means the medicine can be dispensed in the manufacturer’s original packaging and if they follow the prescriber’s directions on the prescription. The regulations on what types of prescriptions can be dispensed or reimbursed differ between England, Scotland and Wales. Please read our guidance or check Community Pharmacy England, Community Pharmacy Scotland and Community Pharmacy Wales for more information on what the new rules apply to. Our guidance covers the changes, what the rules apply to, steps to use professional judgment and additional considerations. The guidance can be found on the RCPharm website.