Controlled drug changes took effect on 5 October 2023 with the gazetting of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2023. The Amendment Regulations reduced the maximum limit for all opioid controlled drugs to one month. They align prescribing limits for electronic (NZePS) and physical prescriptions, and all controlled drug prescribers.
The amendments do not affect the specific controlled drugs that certain groups are authorised to prescribe.
Pinnacle continue to get questions about recent changes in controlled drug prescribing. In brief...
You can't prescribe more than a month's course of controlled drugs including now TRAMADOL or medication containing CODEINE.
Some opiods (morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone) will be dispensed in 10 day lots, unless the prescription states otherwise.
Methodone for opioid substitution is an exception and can be prescribed for up to three months, it will be dispensed according to the plan as agreed with patient and pharmacist.
ADHD medication - methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, THC-containing products, benzodiazepines and zopiclone can be prescribed for up to three months, but will dispensed in no greater than monthly lots.
The new Misuse of Drugs Amendment regulations started on 5 October. On 1 November the funding rules changed to align closely with the changes to legislation.
PSNZ has worked with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) to produce a one-page overview (linked below) of the controlled drug changes that took effect on 5 October 2023.
The document was published in the RNZCGP ‘ePulse’ newsletter earlier this week (12 December 2023).
The purpose of the collaborative work was to help increase awareness in general practice about the details of the changes. We especially wanted to highlight:
An occasional series illustrating the value of using PowerBI to explore your own data. This issue focuses on 'off label' use of melatonin.
Read moreDue to supply issues, weekly dispensing began occurring from 26 January 2023. This limit is in place until 28 February 2023.
Read moreThis programme provides funding for Aclasta infusions for eligible patients. The infusion is to be provided in the community by the patient’s general practice.
View detailsDr Jo Scott-Jones and Dr Dave Maplesden discuss assessing capacity (in activating enduring power of attorney), HPV screening, changes to opioid prescribing and more.