Varenicline Prescribing Under PGD
Published: 8th January 2026
Recently, we have had several questions asking how to interpret the wording within the Varenicline PGD published as NHS Circular PCP(P)(2025) 06.
Within the PGD, it appears the following paragraph has resulted in some confusion:
“Under PGD legislation there can be no delegation. Supply of the medicine must be by the same practitioner who has assessed the patient under the PGD.”
Only those Pharmacists who have the correct competencies and qualifications as well as meeting the training requirements should work within the PGD, but we have confirmed with colleagues in Scottish Government our understanding that the intention was never for only the initial Pharmacist who carried out the initial patient assessment to be able to make subsequent supplies to an individual.
If this were the case, it could cause an interruption in the supply of Varenicline to the patient (perhaps during Pharmacist absence / annual leave) and also represent a poor patient journey should further assessment or onward referral be required.
For clarity, each individual Varenicline supply does require an assessment by a Pharmacist. This is true whether or not it is the Pharmacist who conducted the initial assessment that makes subsequent supplies, as the patient’s condition may have changed. The recorded detail of the initial assessment can be used to support shorter subsequent consultations and the supply of Varenicline can therefore continue as long as it is still clinically appropriate and possible under the PGD parameters.
If you have any questions, just get in touch at enquiries@cps.scot.
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It means that only qualified Pharmacists can supply Varenicline under the PGD, but subsequent supplies do not have to be by the same Pharmacist who did the initial assessment.
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Yes, as long as they carry out an assessment and the supply remains clinically appropriate under PGD parameters.
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Because the patient’s condition may change, and clinical appropriateness must be confirmed at every supply.
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Another qualified Pharmacist can assess and supply Varenicline to avoid interruptions in treatment.
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Email enquiries@cps.scot for support.
Check out our Policy & Development Officer, Gordon Winter, speaking to BBC Radio Scotland yesterday about the shortage of prescription-strength co-codamol.