BNF b12 guidelines

[DeeD123]

My nurse told me last time I had my jab that gp couldn’t prescribe more frequently than 8 weekly because it against the law and this is stated in the BNF. Is this true. I find it hard to believe as I know from being on groups some gp inject more frequently

[Gambit62 Administrator]

That is complete and utter rubbish - it isn't against the law. Your doctor has a duty of care and whilst the standards provide guidelines as to what constitutes good standards of care they also have a duty to use their own discretion - even the head of NICE has said this. The guidelines are guidelines not a straight-jacket.

[Hidden]

This is not true, it is up to the GP as to how often they are administered. In fact after being put onto tablets for one year and my health plummeted , I wrote to them and after reading my letter and investigations into previous treatment they asked me how frequently I'd like them.At present I'm on monthly along with my cousins who are in a different county.

[ACritical]

I was treated in U.K. hospital by a neurologist trained and had worked in Poland and Sweden, after loading injections which went on a lot longer then most U.K. GP ‘s usually do. Then on 1 monthly or when necessary for life. My niece and nephew in Netherlands are still on every other day and twice a week injections and are responding very well now.

[helvella]

Both NICE guidance and BNF are under the auspices of NICE.

Regarding NICE guidance, this statement is repeated on every guidance topic:

Your responsibility

The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service. It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in consultation with them and their families and carers or guardian.

And in the British National Formulary, it says:

About BNF content

The BNF is designed as a digest for rapid reference and it may not always include all the information necessary for prescribing and dispensing. Also, less detail is given on areas such as obstetrics, malignant disease, and anaesthesia since it is expected that those undertaking treatment will have specialist knowledge and access to specialist literature. BNF for Children should be consulted for detailed information on the use of medicines in children. The BNF should be interpreted in the light of professional knowledge and supplemented as necessary by specialised publications and by reference to the product literature. Information is also available from Medicines Information Services.

Sometimes the publications might be worded very strongly, but it is quite clear that the practitioner is responsible for the final decision. No-one else.

[DeeD123]

Thanks all. Going again on fri as they messed up my appointment for mon so will be armed and ready 😊

[Ritchie1268 in reply to DeeD123]

Good luck 🤞