Summary
The use of unlicensed medicines, including off-licence use of a licensed medicine, is a complex area of prescribing that has clear implications for patient care.
Pharmacists and their teams should be aware of their roles and responsibilities which focus principally on the safety, quality and efficacy of the treatment option provided. They are well placed to advise both prescribers and patients of the various issues that need to be considered. Procurement of a Special Order product to address a patient's specific clinical need must be from a reputable source and include a Certificate of Analysis or Conformity as evidence of the quality of the product.
Treatment must meet the needs of the patient and be reviewed for continued suitability on a regular basis. The introduction of Specials Tariffs has made significant in-roads into the control of the cost of Specials to the NHS.