Service specification (what it is, how it works)
Here’s a clear explanation of Enzalutamide Medication Supply in the NHS Highland pharmacy sector and how the drug works:
Enzalutamide Medication Supply in NHS Highland (Pharmacy Sector)
Enzalutamide (brand name Xtandi®) is a specialist cancer medicine used for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The supply process in NHS Highland is tightly controlled:
- Prescribing:
- Done in secondary care (urology oncology clinic) by a consultant oncologist or trained prescriber.
- Prescriptions are written on a Hospital-Based Prescription (HBP) form. [communityp…cot.nhs.uk]
- Initial Supply:
- Hospital pharmacy provides the first 5-week supply to start treatment. [communityp…cot.nhs.uk]
- Community Pharmacy Role:
- Each patient is linked to one nominated community pharmacy for ongoing dispensing.
- The Community Pharmacy Development Team (CPDT) contacts the nominated pharmacy with patient details and checks for drug interactions. [communityp…cot.nhs.uk]
- Procurement:
- Enzalutamide is supplied exclusively via Astellas Pharma.
- Pharmacies must register with Astellas to order the drug. [communityp…cot.nhs.uk]
Resources
There are several official NHS Highland resources you can access for Enzalutamide prescribing and supply:
1. NHS Highland Formulary
- The Highland Formulary lists Enzalutamide under the Malignant Disease and Immunosuppression section.
- It provides formulary status, approved indications, and links to Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) guidance.
- Access here: Highland Formulary – Right Decisions [rightdecis…cot.nhs.uk]
2. NHS Board Service Outline & Governance Checklist
- This PDF is specific to NHS Scotland Boards, including Highland.
- Covers:
- Indications (mCRPC pre- and post-docetaxel)
- Prescribing arrangements (secondary care only)
- Supply process (hospital pharmacy initial 5-week supply, then nominated community pharmacy)
- Cost & Patient Access Scheme
- Contact details for Astellas Pharma
- Download: Governance Checklist – Enzalutamide [communityp…cot.nhs.uk]
3. NHS Highland Oncology Guidelines
- Available via the Right Decisions platform.
- Includes cancer treatment protocols, medicines management, and monitoring guidance.
- Access: NHS Highland Oncology Guidelines [rightdecis…cot.nhs.uk]
4. Treatments and Medicines (TAM) Portal
- Central hub for NHS Highland therapeutic guidelines, formulary updates, and patient resources.
- Access: TAM – NHS Highland [rightdecis…cot.nhs.uk]
5. Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)
- For professional advice on medicine supply, safety, and best practice.
- Access: SPS – Medicines Advice [sps.nhs.uk]