BMJ take on NHS England consultation re T3, G-F, homeopathic & OTC prescriptions consultation & withdrawal

[Clutter]

Article points out: "Some other drugs that NHS England is proposing to restrict, such as liothyronine, have limited evidence for their benefits, but some patients do find them useful, and patients and some clinicians will express resistance to the proposed restrictions on their use."

It appears that CCGs do not have the authority to tell GPs what not to prescribe. Individual GPs, not CCGs, could be found in breach of the General Medical Services contract if they do not prescribe treatment patients have been told "they need". I would encourage anyone who has had their Liothyronine prescription withdrawn due to CCG 'instruction' to report their GP to the GMC unless it is reinstated.

The article also says: "NHS England also needs to make the necessary changes to the National General Practice Contract and to the NHS Drugs Tariff, to ensure that any prescribing restrictions it imposes have a firm legal basis. If this is not done, it places GPs in the invidious position of being at clinical and legal risk if they adopt NHS England’s prescribing guidance when this is finally published, at a time when they are already under considerable workload pressure.89"

bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j36...

[Gcart]

It must be about their budget. More bonus for them !!

[silverfox7]

Well spotter Clutter and thank you for posting. I'm sure it will help many.

[Airmed]

Thank you Clutter for your post. Will copy this article and save. Have been told by my GP that my liothyronine has been approved until middle next year.

[mistydog]

While they are at it, why don't they licence some alternative T3 products, and get some competition into the market? There is the obvious problem!

[MrsRaven]

How does that affect those of us who have to buy our own T3? My GP admits I am better on T3 and wants to prescribe it, but says the CCG won't allow it. The same is happening with my coproxamol. The only legal pain relief I can use without horrible side effects.

[Clutter in reply to MrsRaven]

MrsRaven,

It won't affect you if you aren't getting a prescription. If Liothyronine remains on the prescribing list perhaps you will be able to challenge the CCG and get it prescribed.

Co-Proxomal has been unlicensed since 2007 due to safety concerns and NHS England are recommending it be withdrawn from prescribing in this consultation.

Information about Co-Proxomal in Read The Consultation Document on page 10 of engage.england.nhs.uk/consu...

[MrsRaven in reply to Clutter]

Thats my point Clutter. We should all be able to have T3 on prescription.

As for coprox, I have established entitlement on a named patient basis ever since it was unlicensed. Its the cost the CCG is quibbling about not the medication. Its gone from £2.50 per hundred to £150 a hundred.