Cetirizine capsules/branded tablets to generic tablets
Where cetirizine prescriptions are needed (and can’t be bought OTC), prescribe as generic tablets.
Generic cetirizine tablets are clinically equivalent to branded tablets or capsules but represent the best value for the Dorset NHS pound.
Run the SystmONE search provided to identify any patients on repeat supplies of cetirizine capsules/branded tablets, and if on-going supply is needed, change to generic tablets.
Communicate the changes to patients involved.
SystmOne has been updated so that new initiations of cetirizine capsules will be directed to tablets.
SystmOne search: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/presentation changes
Template patient text – NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of cetirizine preparations and as such, your prescription has been changed to generic (unbranded) tablets. The packaging might be different to what you would normally expect to see, however these products are considered clinically interchangeable. If you have any questions about this change, please contact your GP/nurse/pharmacist.
Colecalciferol (vitamin D)
Change colecalciferol prescriptions of unlicensed tablets to licensed capsule products.
Prescribe colecalciferol as per Dorset Vitamin D guidance.
| Unlicensed product (part VIIID of drug tariff) |
|---|
| Colecalciferol 10,000 unit tablets |
| Colecalciferol 2,000 unit tablets |
| Colecalciferol 20,000 unit tablets |
| Colecalciferol 3,000 unit tablets |
Licensed formulations
Use of unlicensed products (not authorised by the UK Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)) puts prescribers at greater liability risk for unwanted medicine effects.
As a system we aim to save over £70,000 by adopting these changes.
Run the SystmOne searches provided to identify patients prescribed repeat unlicensed items, review prescription need and if required and change to a licensed alternative.
Communicate the changes to patients involved.
Discuss prescription changes with patients as part of Structured Medication Reviews.
SystmOne search: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation change
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset guidance has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of oral vitamin D preparations. Your prescription for tablets has been changed to capsules which have the same effect and is more cost-effective for the NHS. If you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Co-codamol capsules to tablets
Where PCN teams need to prescribe co-codamol (codeine & paracetamol) capsules, please ensure that the more cost-effective generic tablets are prescribed.
The capsules are clinically interchangeable with the more cost-effective tablets. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for co-codamol (codeine & paracetamol) capsules and convert to tablets. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of co-codamol (codeine & paracetamol) capsules and convert to tablets. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Dorset formulary codeine & paracetamol
Estriol 0.01% vaginal cream to estriol 0.1% vaginal cream
Identify patients prescribed estriol 0.01% vaginal cream and switch to estriol 0.1% vaginal cream.
Estriol 0.1% vaginal cream delivers the same dose (0.5mg) per applicator as the estriol 0.01% vaginal cream but is more cost-effective and does not contain arachis oil & can therefore be used in peanut allergy.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for estriol 0.01% vaginal cream and convert to estriol 0.1% vaginal cream. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of estriol 0.01% vaginal cream and convert to 0.1% vaginal cream. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Fluoxetine 20mg/5ml oral solution to dispersible tablets
Identify patients prescribed fluoxetine 20mg/5ml oral solution. Where a whole dose in multiples of 20mg is required and the patient does not have dysphagia, switch to fluoxetine 20mg dispersible tablets.
The fluoxetine oral solution and dispersible tablets are clinically interchangeable for oral use, and the dispersible tablets are suitable for patients without dysphagia. The dispersible tablets are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for fluoxetine 20mg/5ml oral solution. Where deemed clinically and dose appropriate, convert to fluoxetine 20mg dispersible tablets for oral use. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of fluoxetine 20mg/5ml oral solution and convert to dispersible tablets for oral use. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Levothyroxine capsules to licensed tablets
Identify patients prescribed levothyroxine capsules and convert to licensed levothyroxine tablets.
The levothyroxine capsules and tablets are clinically interchangeable. The tablets are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
| Category | Advice for doctors | AEDs in category |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Prescribers are advised to ensure that their patient is maintained on a specific manufacturer’s product. |
|
| Category 2 | Prescribers are advised to use their clinical judgement (in consultation with their patient and/or their carer) to determine whether it would be advisable for them to be maintained on a specific manufacturer’s product, taking into account factors such as seizure frequency, treatment history, or patient factors such co-morbid autistic people, mental health issues, or learning disability. |
|
| Category 3 | Prescribers are advised that it is usually unnecessary to ensure that their patients are maintained on a specific manufacturer’s product, unless there are specific concerns such as patient anxiety or risk of confusion or dosing errors (from having several packs of different appearance), or patient factors such as co-morbid autistic people, mental health issues, or learning disability. |
|
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for levothyroxine capsules and convert to levothyroxine tablets for oral use. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of levothyroxine capsules and convert to tablets. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
NHS Business Services Authority. Drug Tariff February 2024
United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacists Association (UKCPA): Neurosciences Group & Pharmaceutical Market Support Group (PMSG): Generics Sub-Group. Consensus View. The use of generic antiepileptic drugs in patients with epilepsy. September 2020.
Levetiracetam, pregabalin and gabapentin
Identify patients prescribed branded Levetiracetam, Pregabalin and Gabapentin products for non-epilepsy / seizure related indications.
- Switch patients prescribed branded levetiracetam, pregabalin and gabapentin for non-epilepsy/seizure related indications to generic formulations. Where a patient expresses concerns regarding the change, invite the patients and/or carers in for a SMR review to discuss the possibility of switching to a generic formulation.
- Secondary care specialists should initiate new patients on generic formulations where these are available for these indications.
Generic (non-branded) medicines are more cost-effective versions of products which have the same active ingredient, dosage, strength, quality, safety and effect as branded medicines. Use of generic medicines enables the NHS Dorset drugs budget to treat a greater number of patients and reduces the risk of drug shortage issues impacting on care.
When used for non-epilepsy / seizure related indications, Levetiracetam, Pregabalin and Gabapentin should be prescribed generically.
The recommendation for generic prescribing does not include patients with epilepsy / seizure related indications. For further information regarding the need for branded prescribing in epilepsy / seizure indications see the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advice on switching between different manufacturers’ products for the three categories of anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs).
Run the SystmOne search provided to identify any patients on repeat prescriptions for branded medications which can be safely changed to generic prescriptions.
Utilise the relevant template patient letters/text messages to contact patients affected.
Switch the product to a generic product or where the patient has concerns, invite the patient for a review to discuss as a shared decision-making process with the patient and/or carer.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes
Template patient text message:
- For patients prescribed branded levetiracetam, pregabalin and gabapentin without epilepsy or a seizure related condition:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of branded medicines in non-epilepsy / seizure related conditions and where clinically suitable, switch to a generic (non-branded) medicine. If you have any concerns or a diagnosis of epilepsy or other seizure related condition, please contact the surgery to make an appointment to have a medication review. Thank you.”
Template patient letters.
MHRA Antiepileptic drugs: updated advice on switching between manufacturers’ products
Liothyronine
Identify patients who are taking liothyronine tablets and transfer them to capsule formulations.
The tablets and capsules are clinically interchangeable but the capsules are significantly more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for liothyronine tablets and convert to capsule formulations. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message: “NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of liothyronine tablets and convert to capsules. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Gaviscon liquid to peptac liquid
Identify patients prescribed Gaviscon Original Aniseed Relief Liquid and Gaviscon Peppermint Liquid Relief and convert to peptac liquid.
Gaviscon liquid and peptac liquid are clinically interchangeable. Peptac liquid is first choice on the Dorset Formulary and therefore more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for Gaviscon Original Aniseed Relief Liquid and Gaviscon Peppermint Liquid and convert to peptac liquid. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of Gaviscon Liquid and converted to peptac liquid. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Generic medicines
Where clinically suitable, prescribe medications in their generic (non-branded) form.
Generic (non-branded) medicines are more cost-effective versions of products which have the same active ingredient, dosage, strength, quality, safety and effect as branded medicines. Use of generic medicines enables the NHS Dorset drugs budget to treat a greater number of patients and reduces the risk of drug shortage issues impacting on care.
Run the SystmOne search provided to identify any patients on repeat prescriptions for branded medications which can be safety changed to generic prescriptions.
Communicate the changes to the patients involved.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of branded medicines and where clinically suitable, switch to a generic (non-branded) medicine. Your prescription has been updated. Your medicine may look slightly different, but these products are interchangeable and help the NHS budget treat more patients. Thank you.”
Template patient letter
Ghost brand generics
Change prescriptions for ‘ghost branded generics’ (generic items prescribed with a manufacturer’s name) to a generic product without a brand name in its description.
e.g.
- Generic name – Naratriptan 2.5mg Tablets
- Ghost branded generic name – Naratriptan 2.5mg Tablets (Teva UK Limited)
When an item is prescribed generically, the dispenser is reimbursed at the price in the Drug Tariff; but when a manufacturer is stated, the reimbursement price is usually more expensive.
NOTE: In some cases, ghost branded generics may be prescribed intentionally e.g. for items with a narrow therapeutic index, however, these comprise a tiny majority of the total ghost branded generic prescriptions.
Use the SystmOne search provided to identify repeat prescriptions and change to generic options.
To avoid future issues of ghost branded generics use the Dorset formulary within SystmOne as default.
SystmOne search: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked GP teams to review prescribing to ensure generic (non-branded) items are issued. Your prescription has been updated to a non-branded version which has the same effect and is more cost-effective for the NHS. If you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Isosorbide mononitrate MR tablets to capsules
Identify patients prescribed isosorbide mononitrate MR tablets and convert to isosorbide mononitrate MR capsules.
The isosorbide mononitrate MR tablets and capsules are clinically interchangeable. The capsules are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for isosorbide mononitrate MR tablets and convert to isosorbide mononitrate MR capsules. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of isosorbide mononitrate MR tablets and convert to capsules. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Macrogol
Cease prescribing of Macrogol 3350 SF and prescribe as the generic Macrogol Compound NFP SF, or as branded Movicol or Laxido.
There is a £95.00 difference in price between the products:
- Macrogol 3350 SF (TransiSoft)) = £99/28 sachets
- Macrogol Compound NFP SF =£4.20/30 sachets
If used regularly each prescription costs an additional £1,100 per year, compared to standard therapy.
SystmOne has been updated so that initiations of Macrogol 3350 SF or TransiSoft® will be directed to Macrogol Compound NFP SF.
Run the SystmOne search provided to identify any patients on repeat prescriptions for Macrogol 3350 SF and update the product supplied.
Communicate the changes to patients involved.
SystmOne search: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of Macrogol and switch to the most cost-effective brand. These products are clinically interchangeable, but this change will help the NHS budget to go further. We have updated your prescription but if you have any concerns, please contact the surgery.”
Mesalazine – Asacol MR to Octasa MR tablets
Review patients currently prescribed repeat generic or Asacol® branded modified release (MR) tablets and transfer to the equivalent dose of the Octasa® brand.
The Asacol® MR brand is clinically interchangeable with Octasa® MR tablets.
Run SystmOne search provided to identify patients receiving repeat Asacol® branded or generic mesalazine MR prescriptions and change to Octasa®MR.
Communicate the changes to patients involved.
SystmOne search: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing to ensure modified release (MR) mesalazine tablets are prescribed as the Octasa® brand. These are clinically interchangeable with your previous prescription but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Prescqipp branded Mesalazine bulletin resource pack
Switching between mesalazine oral tablet preparations – SPS – Specialist Pharmacy Service
Paracetamol capsules to tablets
Where PCN teams need to prescribe paracetamol capsules, please ensure that the more cost-effective generic tablets are prescribed.
The capsules are clinically interchangeable with the more cost effective tablets. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for paracetamol capsules and convert to tablets. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of paracetamol capsules and convert to tablets. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Dorset formulary – paracetamol.
Prednisolone soluble tablets to plain tablets
Identify patients prescribed prednisolone soluble tablets and convert to prednisolone plain tablets.
Prednisolone soluble tablets are a costly choice, and their use should be reserved for only when absolutely necessary. The standard tablets can be dispersed in water in two to five minutes (enteric coated tablets are not suitable to be used in this way). Please note dispersing standard prednisolone tablets is considered an “off label “use.”
The plain tablets are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for prednisolone soluble tablets and convert to prednisolone plain tablets. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of prednisolone soluble tablets and converted to prednisolone plain tablets which can be dispersed in water (may take 2-5 minutes). These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
UMI Tretn Medicines Information Centre.
NHS Business Services Authority. Drug Tariff February 2024 NHS Electronic Drug Tariff.
Prednisolone gastro-resistant tablets to plain tablets
Identify patients prescribed prednisolone gastro-resistant tablets and convert to prednisolone plain tablets.
The prednisolone gastro-resistant tablets and prednisolone plain tablets are clinically interchangeable. The plain tablets are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for prednisolone gastro-resistant tablets and convert to prednisolone plain tablets. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of prednisolone gastro-resistant tablets and converted to prednisolone plain tablets. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
NHS Business Services Authority. Drug Tariff February 2024 NHS Electronic Drug Tariff.
Tolterodine modified release (MR) to immediate release (IR) preparations
Cease prescribing of MR tolterodine preparations and prescribe as an IR preparation.
Tolterodine MR preparations are significantly more expensive than the immediate release preparations and offer no clinical advantage.
As a system we aim to save over £6,000 by adopting these changes.
Use the SystmOne search provided to identify patients being prescribed tolterodine MR preparations and switch to an appropriate IR twice daily regimen.
Communicate the changes to patients involved.
SystmOne search: Dorset System One GPs > Medicines Optimisation > Quality, Safety Cost Eff 23 24
Template patient text message:
“We are currently reviewing the medication used to treat urinary incontinence, particularly tolterodine modified release (MR) tablets. In line with national guidance, we will now prescribe immediate release tolterodine twice daily.
The doctors have reviewed your records and your prescription has been updated. You will need to take one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening but you should not expect any difference in treatment effectiveness. This choice is supported by NHS Dorset and a letter will be sent to you with further information”.
Prescqipp bulletin 58: drugs for urinary frequency, enuresis and incontinence
Prescipp briefing 58: drugs for urinary frequency, enuresis and incontinence
Tamsulosin MR tablets to capsules
Identify patients prescribed tamsulosin MR tablets and convert to tamsulosin MR capsules.
The tamsulosin MR tablets and capsules are clinically interchangeable. The capsules are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for tamsulosin MR tablets and convert to tamsulosin MR capsules. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of tamsulosin MR tablets and convert to capsules. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Ursodeoxycholic 250mg tablets to capsules
Identify patients prescribed ursodeoxycholic acid 250mg tablets and convert to capsules.
The ursodeoxycholic acid 250mg tablets and capsules are clinically interchangeable. The capsules are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for ursodeoxycholic acid 250mg tablets and convert to capsules. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of ursodeoxycholic acid 250mg tablets and convert to capsules. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Identify repeat prescription for high-cost prescription only Proton Pump Inhibitors and convert to best value formulations as per the Dorset formulary.
Different formulations and brands of proton pump inhibitors are clinically interchangeable but there is a significant difference in cost. Use of the most cost-effective formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further and care for more patients.
Run the SystmOne searches provided to identify the patients who are receiving high cost PPI formulations and convert them to best value options.
There is a SystmOne search under PQS Finance 24 25> F9 formulation presentation changes, which can be used to identify patients and subsequently switch patients from:
- Omeprazole tablets to capsules
- Esomeprazole tablets to capsules
There is a SystmOne search under PQS Finance 24 25> F10 Generic adoption, which identifies patients receiving high cost PPIs which should be switched to a more cost-effective product. High cost PPIs in this search include:
- Branded PPIs switch to generic product
- Omeprazole tablets to capsules
- Esomeprazole tablets to capsules
- Dispersible PPIs (require review of the dispersible preparation, is this still required or can capsules be utilised).
SystmOne searches:
- Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes
- PQS Finance 24 25> F10 Generic adoption
Template patient text messages:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of proton pump inhibitors, and convert them to an alternative formulation. These are clinically interchangeable with your previous prescription but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated. If you have any questions, please contact NHS Dorset on customer.careteam@nhsdorset.nhs.uk”
Rosuvastatin capsules to tablets
Identify patients prescribed Rosuvastatin capsules and convert to rosuvastatin tablets.
The rosuvastatin capsules and tablets are clinically interchangeable. The tablets are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions for rosuvastatin capsules and convert to rosuvastatin tablets. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of Rosuvastatin capsules and convert to tablets. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Hyloforte eye drops
Where a prescription of sodium hyaluronate 0.2% (preservative free) eye drops cannot be bought OTC and a prescription is needed, ensure that prescribing is not as the Hylo-Forte brand. If needed, provide a Dorset formulary brand.
- Eyeaze (preservative free) 0.2% or
- Hydramed (preservative & phosphate buffer free) 0.2%
Hylo-Forte is twice the price of the other Dorset recommended sodium hyaluronate brands.
Most cases of dry eye syndrome/disease self-resolve. Self-care advice and treatment options are available over the counter and therefore prescriptions should not routinely be offered in primary care.
Use the SystmOne searches provided to identify patients prescribed.
Advise patients that mild/moderate dry eye syndrome or sore tired eyes can be self-managed with good eyelid hygiene and avoidance of environmental factors. Recommend that lubricant eye treatments are available over the counter in a range of drops, gels and ointments.
Communicate the changes to patients involved.
SystmOne search: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/presentation changes
Template patient text message – Hylo-Forte to formulary choice:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of dry eye drops and switch to the most cost-effective brand. These products are clinically interchangeable, but this change will help the NHS budget to go further. We have updated your prescription but if you have any concerns, please contact the surgery.”
Venflaxine
Venlafaxine 225mg MR tablets switch to more cost-effective MR capsules.
Identify patients prescribed Venlafaxine 225mg MR tablets and convert to Venlafaxine 225mg MR capsules.
The Venlafaxine 225mg MR tablets and capsules are clinically interchangeable. The capsules are more cost effective. Use of this formulation will help the Dorset NHS pound go further, and care for a greater number of patients.
Use the SystmOne search to identify all repeat prescriptions. Notify the patients involved by text or letter using the templates provided.
SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F9 Formulation/Presentation changes.
Template patient text message:
“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of Venlafaxine 225mg MR tablets and convert to MR capsules. These are clinically interchangeable but are more cost-effective for the NHS. Your prescription has been updated but if you would like to discuss this change further, please contact the surgery.”
Presentation Venflaxine MR tablets to capsules template letter
