What is a Special?
A Special is an unlicensed medicinal product. It differs from the vast majority of normal medicines at a pharmacy that need to be licensed before they are available. As some patients have special clinical needs that cannot be met by a licensed product, the UK law allows the manufacture and supply of unlicensed medicinal products (known as Specials) subject to certain conditions, which help meet individual patient needs.
A Special is bespoke and specially prepared, prescribed by a Doctor or Pharmacist when a licensed product is not available. It can be an unusual formulation, or strength. It may be a preservative or additive-free product or a licensed product, which is discontinued or temporarily unavailable.
Our Specials have a particular value in providing medicines in patient ready format often in 24 hours. Our products normally benefit Patients who:
- Cannot or will not swallow tablets
- Are allergic to drug excipients
- Cannot eat
- Require medicines in different concentrations, formulations, or strengths than those available as licensed medicines
- Require specific formulations of intravenous or intrathaecal treatment
- Have specific intravenous nutritional needs
- Require specific oncology regimes
- Patients whose licensed medicine has been discontinued
For further information on unlicensed medicines - http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?ArticleId=1004#
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