Multiple sclerosis medicine to become a Schedule 4 Part I controlled drug

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A well known cannabinoid mouth spray is to have its schedule changed under the current Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.

Sativex®, which was previously placed in Schedule 1 of the regulations, will now become a Schedule 4 Part I drug from next month. First licensed as a medicine obtainable on prescription in 2010, the medicine is designed to tackle spasticity and neuropathic pain in patients who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Sativex® will not have to be kept under lock and key and the spray will not fall under the normal prescription requirements for Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs. However, keeping records of the stocking and dispensing of Sativex® is still strongly recommended, despite not becoming a legal requirement from next month.

Source of information: Royal Pharmaceutical Society; click here for more details of next month's legislation changes regarding Sativex®.