North East and North Cumbria
ICS Formulary
 
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13 Skin

Specials Recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists for Skin Disease

Most prescribing uses licensed medicines whose safety and efficacy are assured. For many common dermatological diseases including psoriasis and eczema, the range of licensed medicines is limited. As a result, Dermatology prescribing may rely significantly on unlicensed creams and ointments (known as ‘Specials’) containing tars, dithranol, salicylic acid, steroids and other active constituents in a range of concentrations and bases. This is of particular concern in primary care where lack of effective price controls and a mechanism to ensure independent scrutiny of product quality has increased costs and concern about standards. To address these concerns, and help optimise quality of care, adherence to the revised British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) list of preferred Specials (2018) is encouraged.

13-05-02 Oral retinoids for psoriasis

Acitretin Neotigason®
Formulary
  • 10mg and 25mg capsules 
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (July 2021): Oral retinoid medicines (isotretinoin▼, alitretinoin▼, and acitretin▼): temporary monitoring advice during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (Jun 2019): Oral retinoid medicines▼: revised and simplified pregnancy prevention educational materials for healthcare professionals and women

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Fumaric acid esters
Formulary
  • 30mg & 120mg tablets

Red View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF