How are formularies created?

A drug formulary is a list of generic and brand-name prescription drugs covered by a health plan. The health plan generally creates this list by forming a pharmacy and therapeutics committee consisting of pharmacists and physicians from various medical specialties.

Which drugs produce teratogenic effects?

Drugs that are capable of acting as teratogens include:

• ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as:
• Acne medication isotretinoin (Accutane, Retin-A).
• Alcohol ingested chronically or in binges.
• Androgens (male hormones).
• Antibiotics tetracycline (Achromycin), and doxycycline (Vibramycin), and streptomycin.

What advice you will give to the patient taking diazepam?

Your doctor will advise you how to taper off the dose. Keep out of sight of potential drug seekers. Avoid operating machinery, driving, or performing tasks that require mental alertness while taking this medicine. Grapefruit juice or grapefruit products may increase blood levels of diazepam; avoid concurrent use.

What general factors are taken into consideration when developing formularies?

This should included: clinical effectiveness and • cost effectiveness/ resource impact • strength of evidence • patient safety • place in therapy relative to available treatments • national guidance and priorities • local health priorities • equity of access • stakeholder views.

What is a formulary drug?

The medicines considered to be formulary are those: (a) Includedin the Lothian Joint Formulary; first or second choice or in the prescribing notes (b) Additional List: are approved for use in specialist units or when formulary drugs are ineffective, not tolerated or are contraindicated.

How does NHS Lothian manage non-formulary medicines?

It is important that NHS Lothian has a simple and clear process to facilitate the prescribing of non-formulary medicines where there is a clear patient need. This procedure covers all non-formulary medicines except those that are not recommended by the SMC. Separate policies are in place for medicines not recommended for use in NHS Scotland.

How do I get approval for a non-formulary medicine?

4.0 Procedure for Approval for a Prescription of a Non-Formulary Medicine When a request for a non-formulary medicine for an individual patient is made by a Clinical Team, they should discuss its clinical appropriateness and any alternative approved choices and agree on the best treatment.

What is the scope of procedure for non formulary medicines?

1.0 Scope of Procedure This procedure applies to all healthcare professionals involved in the prescribing and supply of non formulary medicines, in NHS Lothian. When this procedure refers to medicines it also includes any products that are licensed as a medical device but are used in the place of a licensed medicine. For example eye drops.