'Pregabalin' now illegal to possess without prescription

by Q Radio News

New laws come in to force today, making it illegal to possess the drug 'Pregabalin', also known as 'Lyrica' or 'Buds' without a prescription.

The medication, which is supposed to be prescribed for health issues including nerve pain, epilepsy and anxiety, has been linked to a number of deaths in Northern Ireland.

The new legislation classifies Pregabalin as a class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). 

This means it is now illegal to possess the medication without prescription, with the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of the drug being two years in prison. 

Selling or supplying Pregabalin can now carry a prison sentence of 14 years.

Figures released by the Northern Ireland and Research Agency (NISRA), have revealed a fourfold increase in deaths where pregabalin was listed on the death certificate, with eight deaths in 2016, rising to 33 in 2017.

It's being used in harmful ways, despite the drug having a number of associated risks and side-effects, including dependency, overdose and death; particularly when mixed with other substances, including opioids and alcohol. 

Northern Ireland currently has the highest prescription rate for pregabalin within the UK and there's a growing illicit market here, with many people purchasing it online from unregulated websites.

Belfast Councillor and homeless activist Paul McCusker has welcomed the new controls on the supply of the drugs. 

He says it's often used by those living on the streets, putting them at risk: 

A new guide is also being launched today by the charity 'Extern', to try and reduce the risk of death and harm for those who are problem users of the drug. 

It targets those who are using pregabalin when it hasn't been prescribed to them, and people who have a prescription, but who are overusing the drug.

Chris Rintoul, the author of the guide and Extern's Drugs & Alcohol Consultancy Service, said: “Just because pregabalin is a prescription drug, does not mean that it is not dangerous.

"In an ideal world, pregabalin would only be used as, and how, it is prescribed.

"Unfortunately, however, and even with the introduction of today’s new legislation, the reality is that there are thousands of people in Northern Ireland, and many more globally, who will continue to use this drug who have not been prescribed it, or who will find themselves using it outside of their prescription limits.

“It is vital therefore, that as a society, we do as much as we can to enable those people to reduce the risk of harm to themselves.

"That is why Extern, with the valuable support of the Public Health Agency, have created this frank and open guide.

"It offers informed and non-judgemental advice, and I would urge anyone who is misusing pregabalin to visit www.extern.org and download a copy of the guide, or get hold of a copy from their GP. It could save their life.”

Advice in the booklet ranges from information on how people can reduce their risk when swallowing, snorting or injecting the drug, to highlighting how easy it is to overdose when combining pregabalin with alcohol or other drugs.

Michael Owen, the PHA’s Drug and Alcohol lead, said: “The most important thing to remember is that all drugs, whether illegal drugs or prescription medication, carry risks.

"The PHA strongly recommends that you do not take anything unless it has been prescribed to you by a medical professional and in accordance with your prescription.

“Unfortunately we do see people misusing drugs, like pregabalin, and that’s why this resource will provide valuable information to help people reduce the harm that can be caused when misusing this drug.

“One of the biggest risks of drug misuse comes when drugs, including alcohol, are mixed. Mixing can increase the toxicity of already potentially harmful substances and increases the risk of serious harm and death.

“If you have taken drugs or have misused a medication and are feeling unwell, please seek medical help urgently.

“If you think you might have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs and would like to get help, please visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info for information on support services near you.”

‘Pregabalin User Guide: How to Reduce the Risks’, is being distributed to relevant services across Northern Ireland, including homelessness services, addiction services, GP surgeries and community pharmacies.