Gateshead & South Tyneside LPC  
  • Home
  • News Stream
  • Services
    • Gateshead - Dual Screening Service
    • Gateshead - Naloxone Supply Service
    • Gateshead - Alcohol IBA
    • NHS Health Checks - Gateshead
    • NHS Health Checks - South Tyneside
    • EHC-South Tyneside
    • EHC-Gateshead
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • Search

News

Pregabalin (Lyrica) — licensing differences between Lyrica and generic products

29/1/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
You will be aware that pregabalin (Lyrica) patent is changing and generic pregabalin is becoming available.  The NPA have issued the advice below regarding the licencing of the product.

The NPA have also informed us that are also in the process of discussing this issue with the MHRA and Pfizer.



Dear Pharmacist

You may find in the coming months that generic pregabalin is available to order. I would like to highlight to you that although the patent for pregabalin expired in July 2014, this patent expiry related to the use of pregabalin in epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder; Pfizer will retain a patent for the use of pregabalin in the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults until July 2017.

This means that until July 2017, generic manufacturers of pregabalin will only be able to obtain a licence for pregabalin for use in epilepsy and/or generalised anxiety disorder and Lyrica, Pfizer’s branded product, will remain the only product licensed for use in pain as well as epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder.

Pfizer has indicated that it will contest any challenges to the patent for pain.

To avoid any possible patent infringement by pharmacists, steps will need to be taken to ensure that where generic pregablin is requested on a prescription the correctly licensed product is supplied. This may mean contacting the prescriber and establishing the indication and requesting that the prescription is amended and ordered by brand as Lyrica if necessary.

Although generic pregabalin is unlikely to differ clinically from the branded Lyrica, supplying the generic version of pregabalin for neuropathic pain may have the following implications for pharmacists:

  • Generic pregabalin preparations will not include information relating to neuropathic pain in the patient information leaflet and pharmacists will be supplying a product off-licence
  • Supplying generic pregabalin for neuropathic pain would not be in line with Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s risk hierarchy guidance for the supply of unlicensed medicinal products, which states that a UK-licensed product should always be supplied for the correct licensed indication
  • Using generic pregabalin for neuropathic pain may be deemed by Pfizer to be a patent infringement by all parties concerned, including the prescriber and the supplying pharmacist
Currently, reimbursement for NHS prescriptions for pregabalin is based on Lyrica. This may change when generic versions become available meaning that pharmacists may not be correctly reimbursed where Lyrica is supplied against a generically written prescription for pregabalin.  I advise that where generic prescriptions for pregabalin are received, the prescriber is contacted to ascertain the indication. Where the indication is for neuropathic pain, the prescription should be returned to the prescriber for amendment to Lyrica. Prescriptions for pregabilin for epilepsy or generalised anxiety disorder can be dispensed with either Lyrica or appropriately licensed generic versions. 

When supplying pregabalin for the treatment of epilepsy, pharmacists should also consider MHRA guidance issued in 2013 regarding the generic prescribing of antiepileptics. The guidance states that pregabalin does not generally need to be prescribed by brand for the treatment of epilepsy unless there are specific concerns such as patient anxiety and a risk of confusion or dosing errors.

For further information on this or any other query please contact the NPA Pharmacy Services Team on 01727 891 800 / 08447 364 201 or email [email protected] .
Kind regards,
Leyla
Leyla Hannbeck Msc, MRPharmS
Head of Pharmacy Services

Tel: 01727 858 687 ext 3372 Mobile: 07508932868
Email: [email protected] 






0 Comments

NHS England Area Team - Quarterly Data Request MUR and NMS

29/1/2015

0 Comments

 
The NHS England Sub Group (formerly known as the Area Team) have asked us to distribute the following letter to pharmacy contractors.  For your convenience we have also placed below the templates required for submission.

Any queries regarding this letter should be directed to Nicola Smith from the Area Team.  Details below.

Nichola Smith

Assistant Primary Care Contract Manager (Pharmacy & Optometry)
Cumbria and North East Sub Region of NHS England
Based at:
Waterfront 4
Goldcrest Way
Newburn
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE 15 8NY

Direct Dial:         01138 247244
Switchboard:     0191 2106400
Email:              [email protected]


Picture
NMS Data Capture Template 
Picture
NMS Data Collection
MUR Data Capture Template
Picture
MUR Data Collection
0 Comments

Event: -  A Life worth Living - Suicide Prevention Training 18th & 25th February

29/1/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

Following the very well attended and evaluated Mental Health training provided by the LPC, delegates have expressed an interest to attend Suicide prevention training.  This training has always been a half day session, during working hours, which is not always possible for community pharmacy to attend.    However the LPC have arranged 2 x evening sessions specifically for pharmacy.
All delegates MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS.

There are limited spaces, so please register ASAP
.
We may have to limit numbers per pharmacy, however, please register all staff wishing to attend and we will look at some additional dates if there is a greater demand.
The sessions will be on

Wednesday 18th February and Wednesday 25th February.


6.00pm Refreshments and snack
Training 6.30pm - 8.30pm
The Quality Hotel, Boldon

You can book using our online booking form below

Washington Mind (who are putting on the training) have produced this video which was launched on World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September 2014 to raise awareness around suicide prevention.

Watch this powerful video and find out about training workshops that can help you to make a difference by clicking 
here

0 Comments

Information Governance Reminder 2014/15

23/1/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
All NHS Providers, including community pharmacies, need to provide information governance assurances to the NHS on an  annual basis. 
This is done via the completion of the online information governance toolkit (Version 12).
 
The LPC would like to remind contractors that the deadline for submission of the 2014/15 return is  31 March 2015.
 

Further information on the information governance requirements for this year can be found on the PSNC Website.  This can be accessed by clicking HERE.

0 Comments

Summary Care Records For Pharmacists Webinar - 28th January 2015

23/1/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
IPF Webinar
Following on from their previous webinars the Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF) is putting on a webinar about summary care records on the 28th January 2015.  

Full Details of the Webinar and its contents are below.  The event is open to all.


Summary Care Records For Pharmacists
Webinar 
28th January 2015

7.30-8.30pm

  • Can you afford not to listen?
  • Can you give just 1 hour of your time to learn of the new developments?
  • Do you want to be at the forefront of new initiatives?
  • Do you want your business to grow and provide the best care you can for your patients? 
  • Of course you do! You wouldn’t be in business if you didn’t!



The IPF has put together a webinar which will outline where the SCR project is up to and how in the future you could be using these to provide safer prescribing for your patients both on a day to day basis and in emergencies.Put this date and time in your diary now and join us for just 1 hour!
 Be in the know it gives you the advantage!
 

In April 2014, HSCIC and NHS England embarked on a Proof of Concept project in order to enable approximately 100 pharmacies access to Summary Care Records (SCR). 

We aim to share with you the benefits which are beginning to be reported, share some of the pharmacist’s experiences having used SCR, and discuss what the future may hold beyond the proof of concept scope to March 2015.
 
This is the ideal opportunity to find out from the HSCIC team, NHS England and users how it has gone and how you can be prepared.
 
During the 1 hour webinar we will discuss what is SCR & what has been achieved so far, the benefits for patients, pharmacists and the NHS. The user experience and when it is most appropriate to use. Most importantly – what comes next, the plans for further roll out.
 
 There will be opportunity for questions at the end of the live presentation. If you have any questions you can send them in on the night or now! Please email[email protected] with these.
 
To register for the webinar please sign up here 
 
For more information on SCR please see this section on the RPS website.
or the HSCIC website. You can follow SCR on twitter at @NHSSCR
 
To register for the webinar please sign up here 
 
Have you heard about the Pharmacy Manifesto? We will be updating you on progress to date and how you can be involved.

Summary Care Records (SCR), access to patient records. The future is now!

0 Comments

PERMSS (Pharmacy Emergency Repeat Medication Supply Service) and Locum Pharmacists

22/1/2015

0 Comments

 
Whilst implementation of the PERMSS service has been very successful and over 400 patients have been referred to community pharmacies by NHS 111 for an emergency supply, the LPCs are still receiving some reports from 111, that referrals are not being actioned because locumpharmacists do not know about the service.

The service level agreement that pharmacies signed to participate in the service states in section 5 'The pharmacy will provide the service in accordance with the specification (Schedule 1) and ensure that all substantive and locum pharmacists are aware of it.'

Please ensure that a copy of the service specification and service schedule are available in the pharmacy and that these documents are brought to the attention of all pharmacists. If you require a copy of the document, it can be downloaded from the Northern Pharmacy website a twww.northernpharmacy.net 


The website also has a copy of the 'Frequently asked questions' document, which has been circulated previously, which you will find helpful.

In order to action a referral, there must be access to PharmOutcomes at all times during the out of hours period. If you do not want to provide locum pharmacists with their own log-in details for PharmOutcomes, you must ensure there is at least one member of staff available when the pharmacy is open during the out of hours period, who has log-in details for PharmOutcomes and knows how to use the system.

If you have any queries about the service or PharmOutcomes, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

0 Comments

NHS England - Dispensing Error Alert

21/1/2015

0 Comments

 
NHS England have asked the LPC to communicate with community pharmacies with regard to a series of dispensing errors reported.  Please ensure extra care when dispensing / checking Amlodipine and Amitriptyline, which seem to be the pattern of errors.
Below are 3 incidents which highlight some of the issues.

Incident 1: a prescription for Amitriptyline was dispensed as Amlodipine (10mg tablets 100)
Incident 2: Amlodipine 10mg on label 5mg dispensed
Incident 3: Label for 10mg Amlodipine put in a box of Amitriptyline 

Please ensure your teams are aware of this increase in errors between Amlodpinine and Amitrptyline to help reduce errors.



0 Comments

Topical Corticosteriods - Prescribing Memo Reference

21/1/2015

0 Comments

 
As you will know there have been recent supply problems with Betnovate cream and ointment, including the RD preparation; this may mean that it is necessary to prescribe an alternative product / formulation. NECS Medicines optimisation have put together a useful reference document for prescribers and pharmacists who may need to advise prescribers.  The document is reproduced below.



For information on product availability as of 16/1/2015 see: http://hcp.gsk.co.uk/content/dam/Health/en_GB/DAM%20Content/Documents/Supply/dermatology.pdf
Picture
0 Comments

MUR+ PENTESA SERVICE - Stock Quota Issues

21/1/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Those pharmacies taking part in the MUR + Pentasa services may have experienced problems in obtaining stock.  On speaking to Ferring we understand that there is  currently a quota system in place for  independent pharmacies and in order to ensure that there are no supply issues you will need to contact Sue Bone (details below) who can ensure that quotas may be adjusted if necessary.


Sue Bone BA(Hons)
Regional Account Manager
Urology  and Gastroenterology Divisions
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Email:  [email protected]
Mobile: 07776 162889


0 Comments

Changes to Cavilon Codes in the Drug Tariff - NHSBSA will pay in January but not February

21/1/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
3M have made some changes to their Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream range, to reflect these changes a three month notice of deletion was given to a number of products in the October 2014 Drug Tariff.

As of 1st January 2015 the following codes have been deleted from the Drug Tariff:

Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream 

  • 3392S (20 pack of 2g sachets) 
  • 3391E (28g) 
  • 3392E (92g)
Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream + Honey
  • 3392HS (20 pack of 2g sachets) 
  • 3391H (28g) 
  • 3392H (92g)
The manufacturers 3M, have replaced the two old products with a single product Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream.  For further information on this new product range refer to the 3M letter here.

The January 2015 Drug Tariff lists the following product:

Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream
  • 3392GS (20 pack of 2g sachets)
  • 3391G (28g)
  • 3392G (92g)
Due to a delay in prescribing and dispensing systems being updated with this Drug Tariff change at the end of December 2014, PSNC has discussed this problem with the NHSBSA who have agreed that prescriptions for Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream with the old codes (3392S, 3391E, 3392E) dispensed in the month of January 2015 will be passed for payment (see table below).  Contractors will need to ensure that subsequent prescriptions are amended to reflect these changes.

Note: prescriptions for Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream issued without a code will be reimbursed based on the items listed in the Drug Tariff.

The table below outlines the status for each code for January and February 2015:




Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    News Stream

    This is our News Stream.  Any News stories that appear on our website will be archived here for your convenience in Chronological Order with Catogery  tags to help you find items you are looking for.   

    You can also use our search bar  to find items and our RSS feed on this page to keep informed of news. 

    RSS Feed


    LPC Newsletter Archive

    Copies of our older Paper Based News Letters (The LPC News) can be found by clicking below.

    Picture
    LPC News Letter Archive

    Archives

    March 2025
    January 2025
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    August 2023
    July 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012

    Categories

    All
    Action
    Alert
    Announcement
    Business
    Call To Action
    Campaign
    Category M
    Cd's
    Christmas
    Commisioning
    Concessions
    Consultation
    Contractual
    Controlled Drugs
    Council
    Cpaf
    Cpd
    Delivery
    Diabetes
    Drug Tariff
    Ehc
    Election
    Essential Services
    Event
    Finance
    First Contact Clinical
    Flu
    Funding
    Future
    Gateshead
    Gphc
    Guidance
    Health Checks
    Healthy Living Pharmacy
    HMRC
    Hope Winch
    Info
    Information Governance Ig
    INR
    Inspection
    IT
    Lecture
    Legislation
    Local Policy
    Lpn
    Lrc
    Medicines-management
    Meeting
    Mental Capacity Act
    Mental Health
    Mhra
    Mur
    Needle Exchange
    Nhs
    Nhs Contacts
    NHS Mail
    Nms
    North East Pharmacy Forum
    Palliative Care
    Payments
    Pharmacy Qualifications
    Politics
    Pre - Reg
    Prescription Charge
    Psnc
    Public Health
    Reacll
    Recall
    Resources
    RPS
    RPS Event
    Services
    Sexual Health
    Shared Care
    Smoking Cessation
    Standards
    Structure
    Students
    Substance Misuse
    Sunderland Uni
    Tax
    Training
    Up To Date
    Urgent Care
    Vaping

    RSS Feed

Gateshead & South Tyneside Local Pharmaceutical Committee 2016


Photos from USCPSC, GovInslee, NHSE, weisserstier, mjtmail (tiggy), RambergMediaImages, Brett Jordan, bratislavskysamospravnykraj, mkhmarketing, Eneas, Official U.S. Navy Imagery, charcoal soul, lindsay-fox, homegets.com, ThoroughlyReviewed
  • Home
  • News Stream
  • Services
    • Gateshead - Dual Screening Service
    • Gateshead - Naloxone Supply Service
    • Gateshead - Alcohol IBA
    • NHS Health Checks - Gateshead
    • NHS Health Checks - South Tyneside
    • EHC-South Tyneside
    • EHC-Gateshead
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • Search