Drug Tariff News

2nd December 2022 - Source: Amanda Chell

Additions to Part 2

There were no additions to Part 2 in the November Drug Tariff.

Additions to Part 8a

10 items have been added to Part 8a of the November Drug Tariff, ones which I think you will fine of interest are:

• Clonazepam 1mg tablets have gone into the November Drug Tariff, pack size 100 with the reimbursement price based on Neuraxpharm UK Ltd. It’s a Category C item and the reimbursement is currently £41.95.
• Sodium cromoglicate 2% eye drops preservative free, 13.5ml have gone into the November Drug Tariff as a Category C with the reimbursement price based on Eycrom. There is also a listing for the 10ml and a 13.5ml listing for the non- preservative free.
• Tapentadol 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg and 250mg modified release capsules have all gone into the November Drug Tariff as a Category C item with the reimbursement price base based on Tapimio- currently only Alliance and PSUK appear to be stocking it.

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

9 items have been deleted from the November Drug Tariff- items which you may find of interest are listed below:

• Atenolol 50mg / Nifedipine 20mg modified-release capsules has been deleted from the November Drug Tariff, this was more commonly known as Tenif. This was discontinued in March 2022.
• Fluoxetine 10mg tablets have been deleted from the November Drug Tariff however the capsules still remain as a category M item.
• Paracetamol 325mg / Isometheptene 65mg capsules, pack size 30 – more commonly known as Midrid has been removed from the November Drug Tariff however the 15 pack size still remains.

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.

Deletions to Part 8B and 8D

(Arrangements for Specials and Imported Unlicenced Medicines)

9 items have been removed from part 8B and 2 items from part 8D. DDS would advise if you are dispensing specials, to check whether these items relate to you. Specials not listed in the Drug Tariff are generally loss-making items.

Other Changes to Part 8a

7 items are listed in ‘Other Changes, ones which I think you will find of interest are:

• Nystatin 100,000units/g / Chlorhexidine hydrochloride 1% / Hydrocortisone 0.5% cream, pack size 30g has moved from a Category A to a Category C with the reimbursement price based on Nystaform HC
• Nystatin 100,000units/g / Chlorhexidine hydrochloride 1% cream pack size 30g has moved from a Category A to a Category C with the reimbursement price based on Nystaform
• Nystatin 100,000units/g / Chlorhexidine acetate 1% / Hydrocortisone 1% ointment, pack size 30g has moved from a Category A to a Category C with the reimbursement price based on Nystaform HC

All of the above have moved from a Category A to a Category C but the reimbursement price has fallen. The generic is still available but now has a purchase price over tariff price. Please be mindful when purchasing!