Drug Tariff News

24th March 2023 - Source: Amanda Chell

Additions to Part 2

31 items have been added to Part 2 of the February Drug Tariff.

Ones which I think you would find of interest are:

  • Kyleena 19.5mg intrauterine device
  • Melatonin 1mg modified-release tablets
  • Risedronate sodium 30mg tablets

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 5 items have been added to the February Drug Tariff- ones which I think you will find of interest are:

  • Methotrexate 27.5mg/0.55ml solution for injection pre-filled syringes have gone into the February Drug Tariff as a Category C with the reimbursement price based on Methofill
  • Oxybutynin 5mg + 10mg modified release tablets have both gone into the Drug Tariff as a Category A – pack size 28. The pack size of 30 was removed last month as that was based on Lyrinel which had been discontinued. Both strengthes 5mg and 10mg are generically available and the generic can be purchased significantly under tariff price.
  • Water for injections 100ml bottles has gone into the February Drug Tariff as a Category C and the reimbursement price is based on B.Braun Medical Ltd.

Deletions to Part 2

Only 2 items have been deleted from Part 2 of the February Drug Tariff and those are:

  • HCU Maxamum powder
  • Oral Impact oral powder 74g sachets

Deletions to Part 8a

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

  • Diamorphine 10mg tablets- this has been discontinued with most manufacturers.
  • Paroxetine 10mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free more commonly known as Seroxat has been removed from the February Drug Tariff. This was discontinued in October 2022.
  • Sodium fluoride 0.37% oral drops sugar free more commonly known as En-De-Kay Fluordrops has been removed from the February Drug Tariff. This was discontinued in September 2022.

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

11 items are listed in ‘Other Changes, below are a few items which you may find of interest:

  • Co-beneldopa 12.5mg/50mg capsules, sits in the Drug Tariff as a Category A and has remained as a Category A. The February change is the fact that it now has Special Container rules.
  • Macrogol compound oral powder sachets NPF sugar free was sitting in the Drug Tariff as a Category C with the reimbursement price based on CosmoCol. The product remains as a Category C but the name Cosmocol has been removed. This product has been up and down the tariff over the past 12 months. Its one to keep an eye on!
  • Prucalopride 1mg tablets has moved from a Category C with the reimbursement price based on Resolor. This product has now dropped to a Category A- the reimbursement price has increased slightly. The best commercial option at the moment with this one is to prescribe generically and dispense a generic – currently you can purchase the generic for around £32.00.

Part 8B and Part 8D

There has been a number of changes for items classed as Specials. Some items have been moved from Part 8B to Part 8D. DDS would advise if you are routinely dispensing specials covered in either Part 8B or Part 8D, then to check these sections carefully.

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