FP10
An FP10 is the paper copy of a prescription written out or typed, printed, and signed by a prescribing specialist.
In order to dispense medical cannabis, pharmacies have to hold a physical copy of each patient’s FP10 prescription to provide them with this medication. FP10 prescription forms are classed as controlled stationary because they can be accepted by any pharmacy, and so, if they were stolen or misused, drugs could be obtained illegally.
What government agency controls prescription forms and their usage?
The government agency that controls prescription forms and their usage in the UK is the Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This agency is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of all medicines in the UK, including prescription forms used for controlled substances such as medical cannabis.
How can you receive an FP10 for medical cannabis in the UK?
There are two routes for patients to explore with regard to securing a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK. Currently, the NHS will only provide a prescription for patients suffering from one of two rare forms of epilepsy, MS patients who are experiencing muscle spasms, or those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment who are battling related vomiting or nausea.
The other option, and the one that almost all patients will have to pursue, is through a private prescription. This requires working with a specialist doctor and private cannabis clinic, like Releaf, who will assess the patient's condition and determine if medical cannabis is a viable treatment option. If approved, the doctor can then issue an FP10 form, which is used to obtain medical cannabis from a licensed pharmacy.
To find out more about FP10s, click here.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help.