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From 1 February 2023, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing for morphine and oxycodone oral solutions is changing to allow pharmacists to dispense volumes smaller than a whole bottle at PBS subsidised prices. The way quantities are expressed is changing from expressing quantity units from bottles to millilitres(mL). For further information, please see the PBS website.

The SafeScript NSW system has been updated to account for this change, however the Opioid Dose Threshold alert rules may be underrepresented in SafeScript NSW during the transition period. The following medicines are affected:

• Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 2 mg per mL, 200 mL

• Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 5 mg per mL, 200 mL

• Oral solution containing morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 10 mg per mL, 200 mL

• Oral solution containing oxycodone hydrochloride 1 mg per mL, 250 mL

This issue will resolve naturally as previous prescriptions or repeats are dispensed. Prescribers and pharmacists should exercise vigilance during the transition period when considering total opioid dose for these medicines.