Pharmacist Suspended for Self-Medicating with Diazepam and Taking Ozempic Without Prescription Returns to Unrestricted Practice

Allegations

In May 2023, the registrant, then employed as a pharmacist at Pickfords Pharmacy in Doncaster, was found to have committed a series of serious misconducts. These included removing Ozempic—a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist used primarily for type 2 diabetes and weight management—without a valid prescription or payment. Additionally, she took diazepam (a Schedule IV controlled drug) from the pharmacy stock for personal use, self-medicating during work hours and while on the pharmacy premises.

There were also serious concerns regarding her fitness to work at the time. Colleagues reported erratic behaviour: slurred speech, mood swings, poor concentration, and physical signs such as trembling. These episodes culminated in a confrontation where she threw a medication bag at a colleague. Her actions were compounded by dishonesty, as she knowingly took medications without proper authorisation or payment.