Guidance for registered pharmacies preparing unlicensed medicines: revison 2018

General Pharmaceutical Council Genral Pharmaceutical Council UK (2018) CC
This guidance should be followed if an unlicensed medicine is prepared in a registered pharmacy. The preparation of an unlicensed medicine (for example unlicensed methadone, or menthol in aqueous cream) in a pharmacy is called ‘extemporaneous preparation’. The guidance should be read alongside the standards for registered pharmacies. These aim to create and maintain the right environment, both organizational and physical, for the safe and effective practice of pharmacy. By following this guidance, the pharmacy will: • demonstrate that it meets our standards, and • provide assurances that the health, safetyand wellbeing of patients and the public are safeguarded Responsibility for making sure this guidance is followed lies with the pharmacy owner. If the registered pharmacy is owned by a ‘body corporate’, the directors have responsibility. Those responsible for the overall safe running of the pharmacy need to take into account the nature of the pharmacy and the range of services already provided and, most importantly, the needs of patients and members of the public.