Q: I have received a prescription for Haelan Tape. It is not available from my supplier and I can’t find it listed in the appliance section of the Drug Tariff. Is there an equivalent or comparable product?

A: Haelan Tape was discontinued by Typharm Ltd in September 2016 but has launched a generic Fludroxycortide 4micrograms/square cm tape in its place. The generic tape is identical to Haelan apart from updated packaging.

Typharm Ltd, the manufacturer, has advised that currently the only size available is 20cm x 7.5cm (pip code 121-2778).

Neither Haelan nor Fludroxycortide tape will be found in the appliance section of the Drug Tariff because it is a topical steroid tape that is licenced as a prescription only medicine (POM), consequently it is listed in part VIIIA of the England and Wales Tariff. Fludroxycortide tape is also listed in the Northern Ireland drug tariff in part 1.

Fludroxycortide is a moderate potency steroid; the impregnated tape is typically used in the management of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, that have not responded to traditional treatments. The tape allows the steroid to be applied exactly where it is needed and also protects the affected area from scratching.

For further information visit

http://typharm.com/

or Tel : 01603 722480

Email: enquiries@typharm.com

Tariff Tip written by Sue Swift, UK Drug Tariff and Information Technician