New legislation restricting the sale and supply of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues

Before Parliament was dissolved, the government introduced regulations to restrict the prescribing and supply of puberty-suppressing hormones.  This follows the Cass Review into gender identity services.

New restrictions on puberty blockers – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Today the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has cascaded NHS England information on the new regulations to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy owners to make them aware of the restrictions.

New legislation restricting the sale and supply of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues | General Pharmaceutical Council (pharmacyregulation.org)

There are two main aspects to the restrictions. The first relates to private prescriptions and takes effect this Monday, 3 June. The second affects NHS prescriptions and takes effect on 26 June.

It is important to note that pharmacies in Great Britain will no longer be able to dispense new private prescriptions, dated on or after 3 June 2024 for GnRH analogues from the EEA or Switzerland for anyone under 18 years old. Full guidance for pharmacy teams is available in the NHS England information.

New Government restrictions on use of Puberty Suppressing Hormones (Puberty Blockers); Information for prescribers and pharmacists/dispensing doctors | NHS England