Brexit: GPs are told to resist patients’ requests to overprescribe

GPs should resist requests from patients to issue longer repeat prescriptions in the run up to Brexit and should liaise closely with pharmacists if they are concerned about shortages of specific drugs, experts have advised.

The Department of Health and Social Care for England has told GPs not to stockpile drugs or overprescribe in response to Brexit and has insisted that contingency plans will ensure continuity of supply even if the UK leaves the European Union on 29 March without a deal.

But with no deal still a distinct possibility, GPs are reporting that some patients are concerned about the supply of their drugs.

Krishna Kasaraneni, executive member of the BMA’s General Practitioners Committee, said, “Some patients are asking for greater quantities of their medicines because they are concerned about potential shortages due to Brexit. One …