Buprenorphine - getting a prescription in the UK (Sussex)

[Claire_1c]

A bit of news that might be of interest for members living in Sussex and trying to obtain a prescription for Buprenorphine.

Sussex, like most UK areas, has Buprenorphine restricted/red-listed, however I was able to obtain the following clarification from the Senior Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist, West Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB):

"In Sussex, you can only be prescribed Buprenorphine by a neurologist/specialist and not by a GP.

An NHS neurologist can issue a green Form prescription (FP10) and it can be filled at any community pharmacy in the area subject to NHS prescription charges ( free for over 60 / max £110 a year with prepayment certificate).

A private neurologist will have to issue a Pink Form prescription (FP10PCD) and it can also be filled at any community pharmacy, but you will have to pay private charges for the medication."

Different UK regions may have different rules.

You will need to email the local Integrated Care Board for your UK area to find out how you can fill your prescription for Buprenorphine. My plan is to do this for as many areas as I can, so I’ll report back as and when. 🙂

[Believer1234]

Hi Claire - have you got a copy of the e-mail that you sent? I would be interested in finding out this information in North Essex? 😀 Thank you!

[Claire_1c in reply to Believer1234]

I can DM you with the email trail, but I suspect most formularies aren’t as easy to contact as the Sussex one. I looked at a few and Sussex was the only one that published contact details. I’m sure you could do a bit of digging though.

[Madlegs1]

Well done- powerful work.💚😎👍

[Marzipana]

Yes, Madness said it! You are The Sherlock Holmes of Buprenorphine!

[Claire_1c in reply to Marzipana]

I'll take that Marzipana! 🕵️🏻‍♀️

[Rameau]

You may find this useful:

southwest.devonformularygui...

[Joolsg in reply to Rameau]

Interesting. They don't mention Buprenorphine pills at all.

[Bramble2000]

I was prescribed it my my GP. I’m in Sussex.

[Claire_1c in reply to Bramble2000]

Hi Bramble, this is so interesting, and I'd love to know what Joolsg thinks. Even in my area, where I'm unable to obtain a prescription for Buprenorphine, my local GP has told me that some practices 'take a more relaxed approach' to the formulary. It sounds as though something similar is at play in Sussex, which means it may be happening nationwide.

How do we find out which GPs might be 'more relaxed' in areas where Buprenorphine is red-listed? It would be so helpful for people who are struggling to get a prescription or thinking of moving house.

[Bramble2000 in reply to Claire_1c]

You can’t pick a GP under the NHS though as people are registered at a particular practice as to their catchment area. I’ve had the same GP for 28 years so he knows me really well. I know there are various other GP’s in the same practice who wouldn’t have prescribed it.

[Joolsg in reply to Bramble2000]

It depends on the practice. NHS rules say you can register at ANY surgery. But each surgery has its own particular rules. Some only allow patients who live within a 3 mile radius. Some will allow people working, rather than living, in an area to register.The usual crazy postcode lottery.

[Joolsg in reply to Claire_1c]

Crazy postcode lottery again??

[Joolsg in reply to Bramble2000]

Out of interest, did a neurologist recommend it first and the GP then took over the prescription?

[Bramble2000 in reply to Joolsg]

No