Specials - The procurement and supply of pharmaceutical specials

Background

In this section you will find:

• Specials guidance (published June 2010)

• Additional advice/clarification on crushing tablets and opening capsules (NEW - published June 2011)

• Guidance on the pharmaceutical issues when crushing, opening or splitting oral dosage forms (NEW - published June 2011)

View all our Specials guidance documents

Pharmacists throughout the whole of the supply chain have a responsibility for procuring and supplying specials in a professional manner. We are aware that the supply chain encompasses manufacturing, prescribing, procuring and dispensing of specials. Our Specials guidance only addresses part of that whole process. Other parts need to be considered by other organisations.
Over the last few years pharmacists have increasingly bought in specials rather than prepare products extemporaneously within the pharmacy setting. This practice has arisen from a need to ensure quality in the manufacturing process and to enhance patient safety.

Our Specials guidance provides good practice advice on the key professional responsibilities for pharmacists when providing advice about or supplying specials, and support in making appropriate choices for their patients. There are patients who do benefit from receiving a special and this guidance will help pharmacists in providing the appropriate product and advice for their patients.
We have also produced new guidance to support you with the pharmaceutical issues to consider with crushing, opening or splitting oral dosage forms.

Specials Guidance content
The document is divided into 8 sections:

  1. Purpose of this document
  2. General Information about specials
  3. Key Professional Responsibilities
  4. Assessing Clinical Need
  5. Choosing a Suitable Product
  6. Choosing a Suitable Supplier and Placing an Order
  7. Good Record Keeping
  8. Useful Resources
  9. Glossary of terms and abbreviations
  10. Annex A – Hierarchy of risk
  11. Annex B – Decision aid flowchart
  12. UPDATE June 2011 - Crushing tablets and opening capsules

Pharmaceutical issues when crushing, opening or splitting oral dosage forms content

The document is divided into 4 sections

  1. Introduction
  2. Potential Consequences of Splitting, Crushing and Opening
  3. Dosage Form Effects
  4. When May it be Appropriate to Consider Crushing, Opening or Splitting?

If you have any enquiries about this guidance, please contact the Support Team on 0207 572 2302.

View our Specials Guidance »