Drug Tariff News

7th March 2024 - Source: Amanda Chell

Additions to Part 2

There have been zero additions to Part 2 in the February Drug Tariff.

Generally, items which fall into Part 2 of the Drug Tariff have no wholesaler discount, you are potentially dispensing at a loss. You may consider sending the prescription away to a local Pharmacy to be dispensed.

Additions to Part 8a

6 items have been added to Part 8a of the February Drug Tariff. Ones which I think you will find of interest are:

• Azelastine 210micrograms/dose nasal spray, 20ml has gone into the February Drug Tariff as a Category C with the reimbursement price based on Azelair. Currently this product is available through all 3 wholesalers.
• Testosterone 40.5mg/2.5g transdermal gel unit dose sachets, pack size 30 has gone into the February Drug Tariff with the reimbursement price based on Testogel. Again, this is available through all 3 wholesalers. As a reminder, this product is classed as a Controlled Drug – Schedule 4 – part 2.
• Valaciclovir 1g tablets has gone into the February Drug Tariff, pack size of 10. The reimbursement price is based on Aristo Pharma Ltd.

Deletions to Part 8a

3 items have been deleted from Part 8a of the February Drug Tariff- ones which I think you will find of interest are:

• Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.015% / Cetrimide 0.15% solution 100ml sachets, more commonly known as Sterets Tisept- these were discontinued in December 2022.
• Diclofenac 140mg medicated plasters these have been removed from the Drug Tariff as a pack of 2 but have been added as a pack of 5.
• Oxybutynin 3mg tablets have been removed from the February Drug Tariff. These were discontinued in September 2023.

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

14 items are listed in ‘Other Changes, ones which you may find of interest are:

• Diclofenac sodium 50mg gastro-resistant / Misoprostol 200microgram tablets have remained as a Category C but the reimbursement price is now based on Arthrotec 50.
• Fluticasone furoate 27.5micrograms/dose nasal spray again has remained as a Category C but Avamys has been removed as the brand which the price is based on – this is one to watch.
• Naproxen 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free has moved from a Category A to a Category C with the reimbursement price now based on Orion Pharma (UK) Ltd. The reimbursement price has remained the same.

Other Changes to Part 16

Ovestin cream listed in Part 16 was listed as Estradiol 0.1% cream.

Will now read as

Ovestin – Estradiol 1mg/g vaginal cream

Please note that Ovestin is still sitting as a Category C in Part 8a but is soon to be available in a generic format.