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- Covert medication is the administration of any medical treatment in disguised form. Therefore, an injectable medication or patch cannot be ‘covert’. The most common way is via liquid or food stuff.
- Covert medication must never be given to someone who is capable of deciding about their medical treatment. It is an option for patients who lack capacity and are unwilling to take essential medication. Patients’ wishes should be considered, ideally consulting others who know them well.
- It must be of benefit and the least restrictive option. It’s an alternative to more distressing methods of giving medication, for example intramuscular injections.
- A pharmacist must be consulted to provide specialist advice on mixing medication with foodstuffs. Altering the form of a medication is unlicensed and could result in harm - see NHSGGC Safe and Cost-Effective Administration for Covert Medication and in Dysphagia.