The purpose of this post is to publish our controlled drug policy for the addictive medications of the benzodiazepine class and codeine based preparations.
We have had customers that have been demanding (rudely) for more than what is allowed. We will state what our clinic allows as well as explain our measures to prevent drug abuse. We understand that codeine-based medication remains one of the strongest medication for post-viral cough and resistant dry cough. These policies already exist in our clinic and should not affect most patients.
Codeine-based Cough Medication (Dhasedyl)
1) We only carry Dhasedyl in our clinic. We no longer carry Procodin.
2) Singapore doctors are allowed to dispense 240 ml of dhasedyl per visit, subject to consultation. However our clinic policy is to only dispense 180 ml maximum per visit (2 bottles), subject to consultation.
3) Our doctors reserve the right to refuse to dispense dhasedyl to patients.
4) Alternative medications that our clinic carries include dextromethorphan, bromhexine, rhinathiol promethazine.
5) NEHR system will be checked for history of suspicious drug use.
Benzodiazepines (Midazolam/Bromezepam)
1) Alternative medications that our clinic carries include antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine.
2) It is recommended that doctors only prescribe no more than a few days of benzodiazepines. We will follow the recommendation unless there is a psychiatrist review or a existing prescription from a psychiatrist. We will also make the exception if there is pending TCU with a psychiatrist, then we may supply the medication (depending on the doctor’s discretion) to the TCU date.
3) NEHR system will be checked for history of suspicious drug use.
The Singapore government has made it clear All our entries are directly linked to the NEHR system, so any governmental body/NEHR-linked private clinic will be able to see previous records and prescriptions. This system will soon be mandatory to all health care institutions. We are proud to be one of the first few private clinics to be linked to the NEHR.
You can opt out of the NEHR but we do not allow opting out when sensitive medications are prescribed.
Unfortunately, as most patients who request for these medications are not our regular patrons, we will need to revise our prices for first visits, which can be found here. This will come into effect on 1 Jan 2018.