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.

13-09 Hirsutism

Co-Cyprindiol 2000/35
(Cyproterone Acetate 2mg with Ethinylestradiol 35micrograms)
Formulary
  • Tablets containing cyproterone acetate 2mg & ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms.
  • Note: generic co-cyprindiol is much cheaper than Dianette®

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Eflornithine 11.5% cream Vaniqa®
Formulary
  • **UNDER REVIEW**
  • Approved for use as a second-line treatment of facial hirsutism in patients where co-cyprindiol is ineffective, contra-indicated or considered inappropriate. Treatment should be initiated by or on the specific advice of an appropriate specialist - endocrinologist (or gynaecologist).

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