Guidelines for Handling Controlled Medicines

Pharmacists play a central role in ensuring that controlled medicines are handled in accordance with legal and professional standards. This requires a clear understanding of regulatory requirements, proper documentation, secure storage practices, and responsible dispensing procedures. Strengthening capacity in these areas is essential to minimize risks, ensure accountability, and support rational use.

This session will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the guidelines governing the handling of controlled medicines, with practical insights applicable across different practice settings.

Speaker: Mr Sylvester Lowe – Mr Sylvester Lowe is a pharmacist and pharmaceutical scientist who has recently completed an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science from Kingston University, London (UK) with a distinction. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honors) degree from the University of Malawi. Lowe is seeking ways to impact patients’ lives through pharmaceutical product quality assessments, regulatory approval, and medicine safety surveillance while ensuring the provision of safe, efficacious, and quality medicines to the general public. He is currently working with PMRA as a Medicines Registration Officer.

1. Provide an overview of controlled medicines, including their classification, therapeutic uses, and regulatory significance.
2. Explain the regulatory framework and guidelines governing the handling of controlled medicines at national level.
3. Describe the procedures and requirements for the importation and procurement of controlled medicines, including licensing and documentation.
4. Outline best practices for the storage and security of controlled medicines, including inventory control and record-keeping.
5. Discuss the guidelines and requirements for the distribution and transportation of controlled medicines within the supply chain.