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About controlled drugs
Controlled drugs need special care and control measures. They must only be taken by the person they are prescribed for.
Your pharmacist, doctor or nurse will offer advice on your medicines. Ask them to explain again if you are unclear about anything.
Always follow the directions on the packaging of your medicines. Read the information leaflet that comes with them.
Controlled drugs can be prescribed as:
- tablets, capsules, or liquids (to be taken by mouth)
- lozenges to be sucked
- patches to put on your skin
- injections by a doctor or nurse
- a 24 hour syringe pump
- nasal sprays
- suppositories (inserted in your body).
Possible side effects
Common side effects may include:
- nausea
- constipation
- temporary drowsiness.
Speak to your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist if you suffer from any undesirable side effects.
Storing controlled drugs
Keep all medicines safely, where you or your carer can find them.
Storing them safely means:
- out of the sight and reach of children
- in securely closed containers with the labels intact
- away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Talk to your nurse or pharmacist about getting a lockable storage box if you need one.
Disposal of medicines you no longer need
It is important to dispose of all medicines safely. If you have unused medicines, including controlled drugs, take them back to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
If you cannot take them to your pharmacy yourself, ask someone responsible to do this for you.
Will carers or community nurses check my controlled drugs when they visit?
Carers or community nurses who visit your home may count and record your controlled drugs. This will help them to check that you have used the right amount and that the drugs are stored safely.
Collecting your prescriptions
You, your family or your carers are responsible for collecting your medicines from your local pharmacy.
Community nurses do not collect and deliver controlled drugs.
Speak to your community nurse if you need more information and help with your medicines.
If you are worried about your controlled drugs
- Call 111 if you suspect someone has taken or used your controlled drugs, or you think you may have taken more than your prescribed dose.Keep any medicine packaging and labels to show the doctor, nurse or paramedic.
- Call 999 immediately for a medical emergency including a suspected overdose.Keep any medicine packaging and labels to show the doctor, nurse or paramedic.​​​​​​​
- Call your GP for general advice on your controlled drugs.
Contact information
For general advice on controlled drugs, contact your GP, community nurse or pharmacist
or
Kingston Hospital Medicines Helpline, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Telephone:
Kingston Hospital Medicines Helpline: 020 8934 2092