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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th March 2019
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Reclassification of pregabalin and gabapentin to Schedule 3
Pregabalin and gabapentin will be reclassified to Schedule 3 drugs from 1 April 2019.
Drugs will be subject to prescription writing requirements 

Pregabalin and gabapentin will be reclassified to Schedule 3 from 1 April 2019, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate has confirmed.

The move comes after experts highlighted increasing numbers of fatalities linked to the drugs, which are used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and anxiety. The change means it will be illegal to possess pregabalin and gabapentin without a prescription and it will be illegal to supply or sell the drugs to others.

Concerns about the drugs were first raised in 2016 by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The group recommended that pregabalin and gabapentin should be controlled as class C Drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

On accepting the advice, the government launched a public consultation to assess the impact on the healthcare sector. Doctors, drug firms, pharmacies and patients all responded to the consultation supporting tighter controls.

Home Office minister Victoria Atkins said: “Any death related to the misuse of drugs is a tragedy. We accepted expert advice and will now change the law to help prevent misuse of pregabalin and gabapentin and addiction to them.

“While drug misuse is lower now than it was 10 years ago, we remain committed to reducing it and the harm it causes. That is why we have published a comprehensive strategy to tackle the illicit drug trade, protect the most vulnerable and help those with drug dependency to recover and turn their lives around.”

From 1 April 2019 Pregabalin and gabapentin will be exempt from safe custody requirements and will be subject to prescription writing requirements. Furthermore, the drugs must be dispensed with 28 days of the prescription being written.

For more information about the reclassification email postmaster@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.