February is traditionally a fairly quite time in the NHS, especially with regards to Drug Tariff changes, and 2022 is no different.
For the sake of completeness here are the additions, deletions and changes to the Drug Tariff and some comment from us on what they mean to a busy dispensary manager.
Additions
A number of items are being added to the Drug Tariff from Feb 1st, but nothing of any real interest. Adding these items to Part VIIIA means they can be prescribed and dispensed generically and will be reimbursed accordingly.
| Duloxetine 120mg gastro-resistant capsules | 28 | Category A |
| Duloxetine 90mg gastro-resistant capsules | 28 | Category A |
| *Paracetamol 1g/100ml solution for infusion vials | 12 | Category C Accord Healthcare Ltd |
| Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate 10g oral powder sachets | 3 | Category C Lokelma |
Deletions
The following medicines are all currently Category C and so the reimbursement is based on a brand or supplier NHS List price. It is worthwhile checking your shelves to see how much stock of the following items you hold, and to gradually run the stock down. It may be that alternatives are already available or other pack sizes are listed in the Drug Tariff.
| Fluticasone 50micrograms/dose / Formoterol 5micrograms/dose breath actuated inhaler CFC free | 120 dose | Category C Flutiform K-haler |
| Morphine 100mg modified-release granules sachets sugar free | 30 | Category C MST Continus |
| Morphine 30mg modified-release granules sachets sugar free | 30 | Category C MST Continus |
| Neomycin 500mg tablets | 100 | Category C Advanz Pharma |
| *Paracetamol 1g/100ml solution for infusion vials | 10 | Category C Accord Healthcare Ltd |
Changes
In the changes to the Feb Drug Tariff 2 products move from Category A to Category C – ensure that you are purchasing these at a price below the new Drug Tariff price which you can check online five days before the beginning of February. The other change looks like a simple name change for the brand. But best keep an eye on that as well.
| Co-dydramol 30mg/500mg tablets | 56 | Category A will be: |
| 56 | Category C Remedeine Forte | |
| Diazepam 5mg/2.5ml rectal solution tube | 5 | Category A will be: |
| 5 | Category C Desitin Pharma Ltd | |
| Ibuprofen 5% spray | 35ml | Category C Ibuleve Speed Relief will be: |
| 35ml | Category C Ibuleve Pain Relief |
