The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has extended the Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Fluoxetine 10mg tablets (SSP005) and Lipitor 10mg
chewable tablets (SSP032) to Wednesday, 7 December 2022.
SSP005 for Fluoxetine 10mg tablets was due to expire on 12 August 2022.
DHSC has also updated that SSP032 for Lipitor 10mg chewable tablets was due to expire on 12 August 2022 but the end date has been further extended to Friday 26
August 2022.
SSP005 provides that for every Fluoxetine 10mg tablet originally prescribed, one Fluoxetine 10mg capsule must be supplied:
"Expiry dates of an SSP may be brought forward or extended, and the content may be amended at any time during the life of an SSP. Pharmacists should ensure they
are using the latest version of an SSP before considering the supply of an alternative product," said DHSC.
Yoga teacher training is everything about teaching the nature and practices of yoga.With everyday asanas and literature, yoga has become one of the leading influential exercises. It's already too late to acknowledge how important is yoga in our daily life. Deeply rooted in our Indian origins, yoga is the inheritance of our beloved ancestors.Individuals and communities around the world along with India are acing the skill from reputed schools and institutes for both personal and professional development.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued two new Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estraderm MX 25mcg and 100mcg patches.
Effective from 8 September 2022, SSP035 and SSP036 provide that for every Estraderm MX 25mcg or 100mcg patch originally prescribed, one Evorel 25mcg patch or
100mcg patch must be supplied, respectively. Both SSPs are currently set to expire on 16 September 2022.
Both SSPs, authorised by the secretary of state for health, have been developed by clinicians and provides pharmacists with procedures to follow in providing
either of these suitable alternative products to help reduce the number of patients having to return to their prescriber for a replacement prescription.
DHSC informed that there are no SSPs in place for Estraderm MX 50mcg patches and 75mcg patches - these strengths are not affected by supply disruptions and should
continue to be dispensed in accordance with the prescriptions
"The SSP035 and SSP036 only allow substitution of Estraderm MX 25 or 100 patches with Evorel 25 or 100 patches, respectively."
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has welcomed the Westminster government's move to backtracked from their plan to remove a large number of rights and
standards and is having to overhaul the Retained EU Law Bill.
This had included a number of employment rights, including TUPE transfers and the Working Time Directive, which had been established in the UK from EU law.
The Bill's 'sunset clause' was originally going to automatically repeal any EU law not enshrined in UK law by the end of 2023. Critics of the Bill were concerned
that this gave the government powers to reform or remove laws without normal Parliamentary scrutiny.
"This would have abolished many improvements to workers' rights which were enacted through the EU legislature," said PDA.
The Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) will be expanded to enable urgent and emergency care settings to refer patients to a community pharmacist
for a consultation for minor illness or urgent medicine supply from Monday (15 May), the DHSC and NHSE said.
The service builds on the progress made in GP referrals via the CPCS and hospital referrals under the Discharge Medicine Service. It was originally planned to launch
in March, and fee for this service will be the existing CPCS fee of £14, as per the agreement for both year 4 and year 5 of the Community Pharmacy Contractual
Framework (CPCF) 2019 to 2024 5-year deal.
In an update on the CPCF, published today (12 May), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) has also committed to the 4 October 2023
launch date for the Tier 2 of the Pharmacy Contraception Service, subject to a positive evaluation of the pilot.
The Tier 1 of the service was launched on 24 April, delayed by over three months. This new service enables community pharmacists to provide ongoing management, via
a patient group direction (PGD), of routine oral contraception that was initiated in general practice or by a sexual health clinic. The fees for this service are as
follows: a fee for each consultation of £18; and a set-up fee of £900, paid in instalments.
The Tier 2 will "enable community pharmacists to also initiate oral contraception, via a PGD, and provide ongoing clinical checks and annual reviews," Alette Addison,
deputy director for pharmacy, dental and optical at the DHSC and Ali Sparke, director for dentistry, community pharmacy and optometry at the NHSE, said in a letter.
Bladder leakage is one of the most common healthcare issues affecting women, with the effects of the condition having major effects on women's lives. 1 in 3
women over the age of 18 experience bladder leakage at some point in their lives,1 and in general, prevalence increases at the start of the menopause. It is a major
taboo and due to embarrassment women sometimes struggle to discuss the condition and need help.
It is now time for community pharmacy teams to take the lead and provide the proactive support your customers need - and don't just reach for the pads…. You can help
them stop the leaks, and build customer loyalty. If women are regularly buying pads, or have struggled with using pharmacological solutions you can now offer
alternative approaches.
What is incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is when a person accidentally passes urine when they don't want to. It occurs when their bladder is put under pressure, such as when they cough,
sneeze, laugh or run. Frequent or occasional, it can vary from a few dribbles to a complete loss of bladder control.
There are several known types of bladder and urinary incontinence. They receive their name from the origin of the issue that causes the passing of urine. Although
they are similar and can have some of the same symptoms, they mostly differ in the way they come about:
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) - causes the leak after a person strains or exerts themselves during a physical activity, including coughing, sneezing, laughing,
running or jumping. This is the most common type of urinary incontinence.
Community Pharmacy England (CPE) is aiming to reach an agreement with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) on negotiation
with regards to expanded services and payment model in the pharmacy sector.
Chief Executive Janet Morrison, said: "We are working at pace in negotiations with DHSC and NHSE. The process remains on track with the Government's original
timescale - i.e. aiming for agreement in July, with cross-government clearance later in July, and implementation from July through to September."
CPE is involved in working groups on service expansion of Hypertension Case-Finding and the Pharmacy Contraception Scheme and service design for the Common
Conditions Service; and are in in-depth negotiations on Payment models.
These discussions critically look at the balance between funding core capacity and activity payments, how the funding streams will be distributed and how CPE
will measure delivery and impact.
NHSE has been leading on the development of the PGD pathways for each of the 7 conditions, with external medical, pharmacy and other experts feeding into the
process - pharmacy owners from the Community Pharmacy England Committee have also been involved but the discussions are clinically led to ensure they comply with
NICE principles and concur with Antimicrobial Stewardship policy.
The NHS claims that it's been able to save taxpayers £1.2 billion in just three years by procuring hundreds of hospital medicines at a better price.
The adoption of cheaper versions of a single drug - adalimumab - which is used to treat more than 45,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel
disease and psoriasis, has accounted for about one third of the savings.
After the exclusive patent on the drug - originally known as its brand name Humira - expired in 2018, the NHS struck cost-saving deals to bulk-buy generic versions,
which have the same quality, safety and efficacy of a branded one.
Since then, tens of millions of pounds have been saved by buying cheaper generic versions of other medicines for conditions ranging from severe skin infections to
aggressive blood cancers.
Four in five medicines prescribed in the NHS are now non-branded, helping the NHS to achieve significant savings while ensuring the continuity of high-quality
patient care.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: "Smart deals by the NHS mean patients are getting the best medicines and taxpayers are getting best value.
Dental procedures are a necessary evil for most people. We all know that we need to go in for a cleaning and check-up at least once a year, but sometimes
the cost of these procedures can be prohibitive. It's hard to know which procedures are worth the money and which ones aren't. Here is an essential list of dental
procedures that are worth the money.
CAVITY FILLINGS
Cavities are caused by tooth decay. If left untreated, cavities can cause severe damage to your teeth. They can also lead to pain and infection. The best way to
treat a cavity is to have it filled by a dentist.
During the procedure, your dentist will remove the decay from your tooth and then fill the cavity with a composite material. This material is solid and durable and
can help restore your tooth to its original shape and function. Modern materials and techniques have made cavity fillings much more effective than they used to be.
Most fillings last for many years with proper care.
ROOT CANALS
It's a dental procedure that is used to treat an infected tooth. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the infected tissue from the tooth and then fill the
space with a particular material.
The procedures are very effective in treating infected teeth. They can also help to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth.
Root canals are usually very successful, and most teeth with a root canal can last for many years. Generally, the cost of the procedure will depend on the severity
of the infection and the number of teeth that need to be treated. If you are considering treatment for a root canal, it is crucial to find a qualified and
experienced dentist who has experience. You want a team that assures you of world-class standards in all their procedures. This is what brings you value for your
money.
A diabetes medicine, Mounjaro, has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat overweight patients.
The weight loss medication originally developed for Type 2 diabetes is now accessible to individuals aged 18 and over who are dealing with obesity and
weight-related health issues.
The active ingredient, tirzepatide, works by making the patient feel fuller and reducing food cravings.
The injection helps individuals lose 20 per cent of their body weight, and are advised to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity
simultaneously.
Although it is not authorised to use on the NHS as yet but future approvals can be predicted.
The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) has elected Matthew Salzmann, UK Country Manager at Viatris, as its new Vice-Chair with immediate effect.
He will replace the current chair of the BGMA, Diane DiGangi-Trench, who is the UK country head for Sandoz.
Salzman, who is originally from Australia, has served approximately 1 billion patients worldwide last year as the UK Country Manager at Viatris, a global
pharmaceutical company operating in 165 countries.
In his role as BGMA Vice-Chair, Salzmann would focus on working in partnership with key stakeholders - the NHS, healthcare professionals, policy makers,
clinical societies, patient associations, academia - to ensure access to affordable and sustainable medicines for patients and the NHS.
Travelling with medical cannabis can be a complex and often confusing experience, given the diverse legal regulations across different countries and states.
Patients who rely on medical cannabis for their wellbeing need to be well-informed and prepared to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. This
comprehensive guide covers essential aspects, legal considerations, and practical tips for individuals who use medical cannabis and wish to travel.
Know the Laws
The first and most crucial step before travelling with medical cannabis is to understand the laws and regulations of both the departure and destination locations.
Laws regarding medical cannabis use vary significantly from one country, state, or even city to another. Some places have legalised medical cannabis, while others
strictly prohibit its use. Researching and familiarising oneself with the specific regulations of the destination, transit countries, and the home country is
essential.
Travelling Within the Same Country
When travelling within a country where medical cannabis is legal, patients generally need to carry their prescription information issued by a licensed healthcare
provider. It's advisable to keep medical cannabis in its original packaging, clearly labelled with the patient's name, prescribing physician, and dosage instructions.
Carrying a copy of the relevant laws and regulations can also be helpful in case of any inquiries from authorities. What can be easier than carrying around paperwork,
which could get easily damaged or lost during your travels, is to get a medical card that has a unique QR code on it from Releaf Cannabis, which, when scanned, can
present their prescription information digitally - it has revolutionised the way patients manage their healthcare. This eliminates the need for physical documents
and streamlines the process but also ensures the security and confidentiality of sensitive medical information, offering patients a more efficient and organi
Department of Health of Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that the Dexcom One Transmitter will be added to Part IXA of the March 2023 Drug Tariff.
"Previously, patients were advised to obtain the free-of-charge Dexcom One transmitters directly from the pharmacies, without a prescription, as the original
Drug Tariff application for the transmitter was unsuccessful," said the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC)
It has raised concerns with DHSC and Dexcom that these distribution arrangements for transmitters are unacceptable because they result in extra unfunded activity
for community pharmacies.
Both, DHSC and Dexcom acted upon these concerns by agreeing to add the Dexcom One transmitter to the Drug Tariff from March 2023. At the same time, Dexcom One CGM
System (containing 1 sensor, 1 sensor applicator, 1 transmitter) will also be added to the March Drug Tariff.
Some herbs have diuretic effects and may help with sodium and water retention. Instances include:
Dandelion
"Ginger"
Parsley
Hawthorn
Juniper
Natural diuretics could help lessen fluid retention by making you urinate more. But more scientific evidence can prove that these herbs have diuretic impacts, so you may not find them compelling. Ginger is a spice that has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. It's been used to treat everything from colds to diarrhea, but one of the most common uses for ginger is that it acts as a diuretic to get rid of water retention (swelling) in the body. While there's no single cause for swelling or bloating, it can happen because of a variety of factors, including being overweight or gaining weight rapidly due to muscle building or pregnancy. However, ginger isn't just used as an herbal remedy: its active ingredient, shogaol, also exists naturally in other foods like broccoli and carrots!
What is ginger?
The ginger plant is the underground, fleshy part of the plant that forms a rhizome. It's a perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family. It looks like a small palm tree with reddish-brown stems. Its flowers are white and fragrant with five petals and look like gingerbread cookies!
The plant originated in Southern China but now grows in tropical regions all over the world, including India, Japan, and Jamaica. Ginger is used for cooking, medicine, and perfume making because of its intense flavor (which comes from an oil called gingerol).
How are diuretic herbs good for you?
A diuretic is a substance that promotes the production of urine. Diuretics can treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney problems. They are also sometimes prescribed as a weight-loss aid to help the body eliminate excess water weight associated with bloating or edema (swelling).
As you can see from its many uses and benefits, having a diuretic handy when you're feeling bloated is always a good idea.
How can you make
The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) has appointed David Vanns as its non-executive Chairman following the retirement of its long serving
Chair Peter Cattee. Vanns will take up the role from April 2023.
Cattee, one of the co-founders of AIMp took up the role as its Chairman in 2000. He is also a non-CCA representative on the PSNC. Despite retiring as chairman Cattee
will remain on the AIMp board.
Commenting on his retirement Cattee said: "It's been my great good fortune to work with almost all of the owners of pharmacy groups throughout England, Scotland and
Wales over the years and many other talented people throughout the sector. It's been during a period of increasing consolidation, something which our own business
has reflected, and the original founders and Board members Yakub Patel, Kirit Patel, Steve Williams and David Vanns have all been instrumental in shaping pharmacy
negotiations to better reflect the views of our natural constituency - pharmacy group owners.
A spokesperson for AIMp said: "We thank Peter for his services and dedication to AIMp throughout the years. Our organisation has grown to be a diverse and dynamic
organisation representing and supporting pharmacy groups of all sizes, small and large. Our main identity and what unites us in AIMp, irrespective of the size of
the pharmacy group, is being Independents, and we are very proud of our identity. We look forward to continuing our work in representing and supporting our members
in the best way possible."
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) is supporting pharmacists in England whose employment has been impacted by the creation of new NHS structures.
As a result of the 2022 Health and Care Act, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) were established in England, and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) were closed on 1
July 2022. Each of the ICSs includes two key parts: an Integrated Care Board (ICB) and an Integrated Care Partnership (ICP).
The association said: "The previous structures in England, established by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, originally had over 200 clinical commissioning groups.
This number had reduced over recent years via mergers."
"However, this latest shift to just 42 commissioning entities means a significant change to significantly larger geographies and populations covered by each ICS.
Although each ICS and its activity can be subdivided into 'places', and within places into 'neighbourhoods', it is at the ICS level that the employer is formed."
"Whereas CCGs previously employed many local health professionals, including pharmacists, the new arrangements mean that ICBs are now that employer. The PDA is
supporting members who have contacted its Service Centre about the impact of these changes."
The specification for the Pharmacy Contraceptive Service has been launched for pharmacy contractors to download from the NHSBSA website.
However, the service will not start on 11th January 2023, as originally planned, but it is expected to commence in early 2023, revealed the Pharmaceutical Services
Negotiating Committee (PSNC).
It added: "The exact start date is yet to be agreed, as now the service specification has been published, community pharmacy IT system suppliers need time to develop
support for the service, so this is available to contractors from the service commencement date."
Commenting on the publication of the service specification, Alastair Buxton, Director of NHS Services, at PSNC said: "When time in their busy professional lives
allows, the publication of the service specification ahead of the start of the new service provides contractors and their teams with an opportunity to learn more
about it and to consider whether it is something they will have the capacity to provide in due course.
