Pharmacy - Unlicensed medicine

Introduction

You are being given this leaflet because you have been prescribed an unlicensed medicine that has been administered or supplied to you from hospital.

What is an unlicensed medicine?

To make sure medicines are safe and effective, pharmaceutical companies must meet the standards of the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and receive a marketing authorisation. This is also called a licence and includes the details of the medical conditions the medicine can be used for. If the same medicine is used to treat a condition that is not included in the licence or does not have a licence in the UK, it becomes an unlicensed medicine.

Why have I been given an unlicensed medicine?

There are many reasons for using unlicensed medicines:

• The medicine licence does not include an age group, for example children
• The medicine is used to treat an illness that is not included in its licence
• The medicine is not available in the UK and must be imported from abroad (it may have a licence in other countries)
• The medicine must be made specially for a patient; for example, a patient may not be able to swallow a tablet or capsule (which is licensed) and needs a liquid (unlicensed) version of the medicine

Regardless of the reason, your doctor and pharmacist have thought very carefully about prescribing the unlicensed medicine and they could find no suitable licensed alternatives to treat your condition/illness.

How can I get more information?

Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried or concerned about the unlicensed medicine.

What if I do not want to take an unlicensed medicine?

Your doctor has thought carefully before prescribing you an unlicensed medicine and thinks it is the best treatment for you.

If you are still worried, talk to your doctor or pharmacist and ask for more information before taking the unlicensed medicine.

Where do I get a repeat prescription of my unlicensed medicine?

If you require a repeat prescription of your unlicensed medicine, please contact your hospital doctor. Unlicensed medicines can often only be supplied from hospital pharmacy; your GP may refuse to issue a prescription for an unlicensed medicine.

If you require more information, please contact your hospital doctor or the hospital pharmacy using the numbers below:

Fairfield General Hospital - Telephone 0161 778 3558
Royal Oldham Hospital - Telephone 0161 627 8961
Rochdale Infirmary - Telephone 01706 517308
Salford Royal Hospital - Telephone 0161 206 5369