Drug Tariff News
9th August 2022 - Source: Amanda Chell
NHS BSA has published the July 2022 (Q2) Category M adjustments.
In summary there are three additions and one deletion, bringing the total number of drugs in Category M to 675.
Some 564 items are down in price and 287 are up in price, seven of which by more than 50 per cent.
The deletion is Melatonin 2mg modified-release tablets x 30 after just one quarter in Category M.
Reference DDA website
Additions to Part 2
Only 5 items have been added to Part 2 of the July Drug Tariff and those items are:
- GA explore5 oral powder 12.5g sachets
- Glucagon solution for injection pre-filled disposable devices (ALL)
- HCU explore5 oral powder 12.5g sachets
- MSUD explore5 oral powder 12.5g sachets
- TYR explore5 oral powder 12.5g sachets
Items which fall into part 2 generally have no wholesaler discount and so you would be dispensing at a loss. Therefore, these are items which you may consider sending the prescription to a local pharmacy
Additions to Part 8a
Only 9 items have been added to Part 8a of the July Drug Tariff, ones which I think you will fine of interest are:
- Clobetasol 500micrograms/g foam has gone into the Drug Tariff as a Category C item with the reimbursement based on Clarelux. Currently only PSUK seem to be stocking it.
- Estradiol 1mg / Progesterone 100mg capsules has gone into the July Drug Tariff again as a Category C with the reimbursement based on Bijuve. This product appears to be solus with Alliance but please check before purchasing.
- Glucagon 1mg/0.2ml solution for injection pre-filled disposable devices and 500mcg/0.1ml have both gone into the July Tariff with the reimbursement based on Ogluo. This product is a dual wholesaler product and can be purchased through Alliance and AAH only.
Previously if any of the items above had been prescribed generically, you would have had to endorse the brand, manufacturer, pack size and price paid in the left-hand column. As the items are now in the Drug Tariff, no endorsement is required.
Deletions to Part 8a
13 items have been deleted from the July Drug Tariff- items which you may find of interest are listed below:
- Acebutolol 100mg capsules, pack size 84 has been removed from the July Drug Tariff. This was more commonly known as Sectral and was discontinued in February 22.
- Felbinac 3.17% foam – more commonly known as Traxam. This has been removed from the July Drug Tariff as it was discontinued in November 2021.
- Soya oil 84.75% bath oil – 1000ml has been removed from the Drug Tariff however 500ml is still listed. This is more commonly known as Balneum.
Items which have been removed from the Drug Tariff part 8A can still be prescribed and dispensed but you will need to endorse the prescription with manufacturer, pack size and price paid.
Other Changes to Part 8a
12 items are listed in ‘Other Changes, ones which I think you will find of interest are:
- Apixaban 2.5mg tablets and 5mg tablets have remained as a Category C item but Eliquis has been removed as the manufacturer – this is one to watch!
- Calcipotriol 0.005% / Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% gel has moved from a Category A to a Category M. If you remember last month it dropped from a Category C with the reimbursement based on Dovobet to a Category A. Currently as a Category M, the reimbursement hasn’t changed but again one to watch
- Felodipine 10mg modified-release tablets and 5mg tablets have both had the reimbursement changed from Plendil to Cardioplen. The reimbursement price has dropped. Please remember these can be purchased generically.
- Melatonin 2mg modified-release tablets – this is a weird one. Last month the Category changed from a C to a M and the reimbursement price dropped. This month, the item has gone back to a Category C based on Circadin.
- Prucalopride 2mg tablets has moved from a Category C to a Category M and the reimbursement price has dropped from £59.52 to £49.80.
