Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has urged pharmacy owners to maintain the safety of their services while managing the additional workload brought on
by the collective action of GP services, starting today (Thursday, 1 August).
General practices across England have begun implementing a work-to-rule strategy indefinitely, following a ballot of GP partners conducted by the British
Medical Association (BMA).
Under this approach, GP practices will strictly adhere to contracted hours and duties, performing only the tasks specified in their NHS contract.
With fewer GP appointments available, it is anticipated that more patients will turn to their community pharmacies for help and advice.
Therefore, CPE has stressed the importance of pharmacy owners maintaining the safety of their services, with a focus on the safe supply of medicines, during
this period of GP collective action.
From over-the-counter flu tablets to crucial antibiotics and antidepressants, medicines are running scarce in UK pharmacies this year, causing concerns among
patients, the government, and the wider pharma industry.
Drug shortages have accelerated over the past year due to a clutch of problems including the after-effects of the pandemic on supply chains, the war in Ukraine,
and soaring input costs weighing on manufacturers. More recently, a sudden spike in respiratory infections - another by-product of Covid-19 that neither pharma
companies nor the government were able to predict - has deepened the crisis, with 70 commonly taken drugs out of stock in Britain as of February.
The problem is not unique to the UK. In a recent survey of groups representing pharmacies in 29 European countries, three quarters said shortages were worse this
winter than a year ago, with a quarter reporting more than 600 drugs in short supply. The US is also facing significant shortages of popular prescription drugs like
amoxicillin and Adderall, an ADHD medication.
To some extent, the current disruption is laying bare wider challenges facing the industry for several years that were only exacerbated by the pandemic.
The over-reliance on foreign suppliers for most active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is one of them. This model has left companies more susceptible to supply
shocks, which have in turn increased in frequency and severity due to pandemic lockdowns, the war in Ukraine and other issues such as the shortage of shipping
containers.
Pharma's long and opaque supply chains, alongside regulatory complexities, also mean it is taking longer for drugmakers to reconfigure manufacturing and distribution
in times of additional need.
Ahead of World AIDS Day this Wednesday, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has urged the government to widen access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by making it available through community pharmacies. It argues that such a move could drive down rates of HIV infection across Great Britain.
Currently, the medicine - which offers almost total protection from HIV when taken as recommended prior to sex or injecting drugs - is available free of charge only through sexual health clinics.
Calling on the government to engage with community pharmacies to improve public health, RPS president Claire Anderson said: "There is a clear opportunity to drive down rates of HIV infection by expanding provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to community pharmacies and GP practices as part of the government's HIV Action Plan.
The only way to overcome the challenges facing the medicines supply chain in the UK is through close cooperation - the government, pharmacies, and the
industry all working together in tandem - said Andrew Stephenson, Minister for Health and Social Care.
The MP for Pendle, Lancashire made the statement while addressing the Healthcare Distribution Association's (HDA) Annual Conference at the Institute of Directors
in Pall Mall, London on Thursday (25 January), where over 130 leaders from the pharma industry gathered.
As the keynote speaker, Stephenson acknowledged the crucial role wholesalers, manufacturers, and retail pharmacy chains, play in the wellbeing of the nation.
He said: "In the first few months that I've been in this job, it's become immediately obvious to me just how important this sector is and just how important the
work that all of you do is for our country."
Digital transformation is sweeping across the healthcare landscape. Fuelled by ambitious government policy, exciting innovation and huge injections of funding,
it's hard for anyone in the sector not to catch a dose of digitisation fever.
But digitisation is not a universal tonic, and it certainly isn't always a 'good thing'. In fact, there's a real danger to digitising healthcare. Such a fundamental
change to the very nature of care delivery is an inevitably high-risk process: sometimes things or people get forgotten, vital processes stall, or new systems fail
to replicate the strengths of those they replace. Take, for instance, the digitisation of pharmacies.
Over recent years, the public's use of online-only pharmacies have boomed: in March it was reported that the number of items dispensed from distance-selling
pharmacies in England, UK quadrupled between 2016 and 2021.
These online providers offer an attractively convenient way for patients to receive their medicines; replacing a trip to a high street pharmacy with a package
delivered straight to their door. On the surface, this digital solution seems perfect not only for young patients with busy schedules, but also for older patients
or for those with restricted mobility who may struggle with in-person collection.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has urged the government to amend medicines legislation to allow pharmacists to make minor amendments to a prescription
without any protocol being needed.
RPS wants to see a change in the law that makes the whole process of supply of medicines easier and quicker, enabling pharmacists to use their knowledge and expertise
in medicines to better support patients.
"At present a prescription can only be changed by a prescriber, which causes unnecessary workload for GPs and delays for patients," said RPS.
RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said: "We want to see all pharmacists across the UK able to supply a different quantity, strength or formulation of a medicine
(for example changing capsules to tablets) when required, to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and the need for an SSP to be developed, signed and authorised by a
Minister. In effect it would mean that pharmacists can help patients straight away - it would future proof the problem to some degree.
While responding to the consultation on hub and spoke dispensing, trade unions for pharmacists have emphasised that the patient safety and care must be the priority in hub and spoke dispensing.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has welcomed the opportunity provided by a change in legislation to enable community pharmacies to make use of hub and spoke
dispensing but reaffirmed that patient care must be at the heart of future changes.
With regards to patient safety, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) considers that only Model 1 is appropriate, with manageable risks related
to patient safety, and is a model that has the potential to allow the whole sector to benefit fairly.
In its response to the consultation on Hub and Spoke dispensing, PSNC highlighted that Model 2 in the consultation, a hub direct to patient supply of dispensed medicines, raises patient safety issues and it cannot be supported.
RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said: "In all models, patients need to continue to have access to a pharmacist at the time of supply of medicines so they
have the opportunity to discuss, ask questions or raise concerns, and receive appropriate information with counselling and advice.
We cannot deny the benefits and uses of regenerative medicines as they have been so in demand in recent times. One such effective medicine with a lot of
potential health benefits is BPS-157. The peptide is thought to be extremely beneficial for those struggling with various neurological or health issues.
Another medicine with the same beneficial effects is the Semax peptide. Well, the benefits of both these peptide-based medicines and their other aspects will be
discussed in detail in this blog along with answering your question about the BPC-157 buy, Semax effects, and polypeptide.
ALL ABOUT BPC-157:
BPC-157, a pentadecapeptide consisting of 15 amino acids, is a synthetic peptide that is known for its positive effects on the human body. The peptide is derived
from human gastric juice. A protein is present in the human gastric juice through which this peptide is derived and synthesized. It is called a Body Protection
Protein as it exerts several therapeutic effects on the human body.
Not only have health benefits or therapeutic effects, the peptide has healing and regeneration powers. It also helps in the preventing formation of gastric ulcers.
This peptide is of great interest to researchers due to its numerous positive effects and benefits.
DOSING LEVELS OF BPC-157:
Not much about the dosing levels of BPC-157 has been researched yet but always try to concern the relevant persons before taking the medicine. The dosage
of BPC-157 depends on the health and body conditions of the person taking it along with other related factors.
The government has extended VAT exemption from Monday (1 May) on healthcare services carried out by pharmacy staff under the supervision of pharmacists.
HM Revenue and Customs has issued a note detailing the change to the VAT treatment of medical services. The Government said this will bring the VAT treatment of
pharmacists in line with other registered health professionals providing medical services to the public.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) said: "This is something that PSNC has been seeking Government agreement on for a long time, including in
recent CPCF negotiations."
PSNC believes that the extension of this VAT exemption will help as community pharmacy businesses try to make better use of the skill mix in their teams both now
and in the future.
"Not only does it enable contractors to review the VAT status of any locally commissioned services currently provided by non-registered pharmacy staff but also, in
time, it could be used to amend nationally commissioned services to allow support staff to provide certain parts. For example, following a recent amendment to the
service Directions, pharmacy technicians are now able to perform blood pressure checks as part of the Hypertension Case-Finding Service and deliver the Smoking
Cessation Service.
The UK government has announced plans to update legislation to enable more services and individuals to provide take-home supplies of naloxone - a life-saving
opioid overdose antidote - over the next few weeks.
Naloxone can immediately reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by reversing breathing difficulties. The medicine can be administered by anyone in an emergency.
However, current legislation allows only drug and alcohol treatment services to supply it without a prescription to individuals for future use.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed on Tuesday (14 May) that more professionals, including nurses, paramedics, police officers, probation
officers and pharmacy professionals, will be able to supply the medicine without a prescription to save lives.
Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins warned that opioid addiction can ruin lives and it accounts for the largest proportion of drug-related deaths
across the UK.
Recently launched generic version of Apixaban by Teva UK is said to bring savings to the NHS drug bill while making sure patients get the medicine they need.
The generic apixaban is available for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), with one or more risk factors, such as prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults.
Previously there was only a 'branded' product available, but Castleford-based Teva UK succeeded in invalidating the apixaban patent and SPC (supplementary protection
certificate) in the UK High Court and so is now able to launch its own 'generic' version - which will bring savings for the NHS while making sure patients get the
medicine they need.
"We've always said that we stand up for the patient", said Kim Innes, General Manager of Teva UK and Ireland. "The launch of generic apixaban emphasises Teva's commitment to doing the right thing by putting patients at the heart of everything we do by giving them and the NHS access to affordable treatments."
Apixaban is an anticoagulant which directly inhibits factor X (factor Xa), inhibiting thrombin formation and the development of thrombi (blood clots). For at-risk patients, such as those with, or at risk for DVT, or NVAF, the risk of stroke related to blood clots forming in the body and traveling to the brain is a serious concern. Each year, DVT affects around 1 person in every 1,000 in the UK and if left untreated, about 1 in 10 people with a DVT will develop a PE.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has maintained the prescription-only status of Aquiette 2.5mg Tablets for symptoms of
overactive bladder, following a public consultation and the review of a reclassification application from the manufacturer Maxwellia Ltd.
Aquiette, which contains the active ingredient oxybutynin, is used for the treatment of long-term symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in women aged between 18
and 65, such as the urgent need to urinate and frequent urination without pain.
The regulator decided against the reclassification of Aquiette 2.5mg Tablets from a prescription-only medicine (POM) to a pharmacy (P) medicine, concluding that
a medical prescription continues to be required to ensure the safe use of Aquiette.
Since an OAB diagnosis requires medical supervision to ensure that the correct treatment is received, and other health conditions are not overlooked or left untreated,
the MHRA said the decision would ensure that the medication is used safely and appropriately under medical supervision.
"After taking on board the views of the many patients and healthcare professionals who responded, we have decided to refuse the reclassification of Aquiette 2.5mg
Tablets for women with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB)," Dr Laura Squire, MHRA chief healthcare quality and access officer, said.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a company-led drug recall for Sodium Chloride Eye Drops 5% 1x10ml
(unlicensed medicine) Stockport Pharmaceuticals.
Stockport Pharmaceuticals said that the above batch of Sodium Chloride Eye Drops 5% w/v as the sterile eye droppers supplied with the medicinal product have
expired (Jan 2022).
The authority said, "This recall is being issued as a company-led medicines recall, as this product is only supplied to a small number of customers, and the
manufacturer has full traceability of the product's distribution."
"Remaining stock of the above batch should be quarantined and returned to Stockport Pharmaceuticals directly."
Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has made its entry into the UK consumer health market with the launch of an
over-the-counter allergy medication.
Histallay (Fexofenadine Hydrochloride 120 mg tablets) is the company's first general sale list (GSL) product introduced in the UK market.
Previously classified as a Prescription Only Medicine (POM), Dr. Reddy's Fexofenadine 120 mg is now available without prescription, under the brand
name 'Histallay'.
This allows people with allergic seasonal rhinitis (hay fever) to get direct access to the product via retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets
in the UK.
People are advised to be mindful of medications that may cause sun reactions, and to watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments and fake weight loss pens.
For those traveling abroad, the MHRA advises considering the suitability of medicines available to reduce the risk of contracting tropical diseases.
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: "The summer is an exciting time for many of us, as we take time off to travel and enjoy the warmer weather.
"But it is important to understand what this time of year means for our medicines and medical devices, and take the precautions necessary to use products safely
and protect ourselves."
Watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments
Millions of Britons suffer from hay fever symptoms in the summer. The MHRA advises consulting a healthcare professional to find the best treatment for your symptoms.
People are also warned to be cautious of medicines advertised as hay fever treatments but not approved for use in the UK, such as Kenalog. This is a
prescription-only steroid injection licensed as a medicine for other conditions, but not for the treatment of hay fever.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) today decided to convene a new group, involving all the key stakeholders, focused on assurance of practice post-registration.
The decision in today's (9 December) council meeting follows the recommendation of a working group chaired by council member and pharmacist Aamer Safdar on the role of the regulator in post-registration education and training.
The new group will be tasked with articulating a set of guiding principles where patient safety is the overarching priority, after carrying out a horizon scanning exercise to pull together an understanding of the system wide approach currently in place.
The working group noted that the wider approach, in relation to regulation of post-registration practice and not simply education and training, may require the GPhC reviewing and developing its own control measures, and involving patients and the public in the next stages of work.
Reviewing the work on online pharmacy services, the council meeting supported the regulator's plans to continue to require pharmacy websites to be arranged so that a person cannot choose a prescription only medicine and its quantity before there has been an appropriate consultation with a prescriber.
The MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU), working with other law enforcement partners, has seized more than two million "illegally traded medicines" this
year, with a total value of £5 million.
The products confiscated in the UK were prescription-only medicines including anti-depressants, pain medication and human growth hormones.
The MHRA launched an initiative, Operation Pangea, 15 years ago to combat "illegal internet trade in medical" products.
Andy Morling, the Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement of MHRA, spoke about Operation Pangea's 15-year anniversary.
"Fifteen years ago, the MHRA started Operation Pangea, combining our knowledge and resources with those of international partners to disrupt and bring to justice
the criminal gangs responsible for selling medicines illegally and causing harm around the world.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has asked the pharmacies and wholesalers to stop supplying and quarantine all remaining stock
of Dr Reddy's Laboratories (UK)'s Lacidipine 4 mg Film-Coated tablets.
The company has recalled two batches of Lacidipine 4 mg Film-Coated tablets as a precautionary measure due to the presence of an unknown solvent-like odour.
MHRA said: "The tablets are normally odourless. However, in the affected batches, a solvent-like odour is present when the individual blisters are opened.
Additionally, some patient complaints have noted that the tablets have an unusual taste. The investigation to determine the root cause and to identify and quantify
the odour is ongoing.
"The issue is confined to batches B2202043 and B2202044 only. Other batches of Lacidipine 4 mg Film-Coated tablets marketed by Dr Reddy's Laboratories (UK) are not
affected."
The Home Affairs Committee has called upon the government to revise its current drug policy, moving away from the exclusive 'abstinence only' approach towards
a more practical strategy that highlights harm reduction. The HAC's recommendations also include the introduction of a national naloxone programme in England, with
community pharmacies playing a central role in facilitating access.
The committee published its comprehensive report on August 31, with key recommendations, including the 'urgent' reclassification of psychedelic drugs for therapeutic
research; a pilot safe consumption facility program (long resisted by the Westminster Government despite Scottish lobbying); and enhanced provision and research on
cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs).
The report urged the establishment of a national naloxone programme in England, aligning with devolved nations. It also highlighted the role of community pharmacists
and peer initiatives for effective distribution and administration. Furthermore, the report emphasises enhanced naloxone distribution for prison leavers. Naloxone is
a medication capable of rapidly reversing heroin or methadone overdoses, potentially saving lives.
Kelso Pharma, the growing UK based specialty pharma business, has announced its first product launch with the release to the UK prescription medicines market
of Acepiro (Acetylcysteine) 600mg effervescent tablets.
Acepiro 600 mg effervescent tablets are indicated in adults only and are being made available to hospital and community prescribers in 20 and 30 day packs, with the
30 day pack consistent with monthly prescribing. The NHS List Price for the 30 day pack is £4.40, with the 20 day pack priced at £3.65.
Acepiro is being launched by Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals (SAP), which was acquired by Kelso Pharma one year ago, providing a new UK platform and springboard for
future sales growth for the business. The new product complements SAP's existing portfolio of three medicines:
CosmoCol (macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes) powder for oral solution - an osmotic laxative indicated for the treatment of chronic constipation and faecal impaction.
Stirlescent (naproxen) 250mg effervescent tablets - containing naproxen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).