what is a special?
Specials are bespoke, or specially prepared, non-licensed medicines prescribed by a Doctor or Pharmacist when a licensed product is not available.
A Special 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#
