PLEASE NOTE THE EMAIL FOR SPECIALS HAS CHANGED TO -
Fife.SpecialsUnlicensedMedicines@nhs.scot
The Scottish Government published PCA(P)(2015)17 on September 1st 2015 as a national framework for the procurement of Specials/Unlicensed medicines - all community pharmacists must be aware of the associated responsibilities, risks and liabilities of procuring and dispensing an unlicensed medicine and ensure the clinical appropriateness of any product supplied.
Once it is certain that an unlicensed medicine is required as there are no other suitable alternatives, local and national NHS Pharmacy Production Units (NHS PPU) should be contacted in the first instance. (Scotland Pharmaceutical "Specials" Service: 01382 632 052). Where the item is available from an NHS Pharmacy Production Unit further authorisation is not required.
Where the item is not available from an NHS PPU; Parts 7S and 7U of the Scottish Drug Tariff should be checked for reimbursement arrangements. Part 7S and 7U of the Scottish Drug Tariff can be viewed by downloading Part 7 (choosing relevant month) and switching tabs at the bottom of the Excel document. If the item is contained in the Scottish Drug Tariff, authorisation is not required.
Where the item is neither contained in Part 7S or 7U of the Scottish Drug Tariff, nor available from an NHS Pharmacy Production Unit, authorisation must be sought from the prescribing Health Board. For prescriptions issued within NHS Fife, the Special/Unlicensed Medicines Authorisation Request From should be filled in and sent as an email attachment to Fife.SpecialsUnlicensedMedicines@nhs.scot this form is also available as an Editable PDF.
Please Remember!
Specials FAQs - PCA(P)(2015)17 Annex B
Additional Resources
Please find here a list of products which are no longer available from PSS as there are equivalent product lines available from Rosemont Pharmaceuticals at a significantly reduced price with extended shelf lives. A reminder that you can email the medicines management team if you have any enquiries regarding specials at fife.specialsunlicensedmedicines@nhs.scot