NI Pharmacist Issued 3-Year Warning After Illicit Use and Supply of Sustanon (Testosterone)
Date of Decision: September 1, 2021
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Between 1 January 2016 and 15 January 2020, the registrant obtained and used testosterone, a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) and a Schedule 4 Part II controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (NI) 2002, without a valid prescription and administered it to himself without medical supervision.
- On 3 March 2021, the registrant accepted a police caution in relation to an offence committed on 15 January 2020, namely selling or supplying a Prescription Only Medicine, Sustanon (a testosterone preparation), otherwise than in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner, contrary to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Outcome: A Warning was imposed for a period of 3 years, to be recorded against the registrant’s name on the Register.
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 2.1 – Provide safe, effective and quality care
- Standard 2.1.1 – Promote and ensure the safe, effective and rational use of medicines, medicinal products and therapies
- Standard 2.1.2 – Effectively control and manage the sale or supply of medicinal and related products paying particular attention to those with a potential for abuse or dependency
- Standard 3.1 – Act with honesty and integrity at all times
- Standard 3.1.1 – Adhere to accepted and acceptable standards of personal and professional conduct at all times both inside and outside the work environment
- Standard 3.1.2 – Maintain public trust and confidence in your profession by acting with honesty and integrity in your dealings with others
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerned a pharmacist who admitted to the prolonged, unlawful acquisition and self-administration of testosterone, as well as the unlawful supply of Sustanon, a branded testosterone preparation. Testosterone is classified as a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) and is listed as a Schedule 4 Part II controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (NI) 2002. While Schedule 4 substances are subject to fewer storage requirements than Schedule 2 or 3 drugs, they remain tightly regulated due to their potential for misuse, particularly in the context of performance enhancement.
Between January 2016 and January 2020, the registrant obtained testosterone without a valid prescription and administered it to himself without medical supervision. The Committee found that he sourced testosterone from unregulated and illicit channels, circumventing established safeguards designed to ensure appropriate prescribing, monitoring, and pharmacovigilance. He later accepted a police caution after unlawfully supplying Sustanon on 15 January 2020, contrary to Regulation 214(1) of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
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