Formulary Chapter 10: Musculoskeletal and joint diseases - Full Chapter
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10.01 |
Drugs used in rheumatic diseases and gout |
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10.01 |
Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders |
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10.01 |
Osteoarthritis and soft-tissue disorders |
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10.01.01 |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
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Note: diclofenac use is restricted, it can be used short term use for post-operative pain |
Long term use |
- Ibuprofen low dose - First line treatment
- Naproxen low dose - Second line treatment
- Naproxen high dose- Third line treatment
- Diclofenac - Fourth line treatment
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Ibuprofen
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Formulary
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Tablets: 200mg, 400mg, 600mg Suspension (sugar-free available): 100mg/5mL
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (June 2015): High-dose ibuprofen (≥2400mg/day): small increase in cardiovascular risk
MHRA Drug Safety Update (June 2023): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): potential risks following prolonged use after 20 weeks of pregnancy
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Naproxen tablets
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Formulary
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Tablets: 250mg, 500mg
Note: a naproxen 125mg in 5ml suspension ( unlicensed) is also approved.
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (June 2023): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): potential risks following prolonged use after 20 weeks of pregnancy
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Diclofenac
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Formulary
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Tablets: 25mg, 50mg
The use of oral diclofenac is restricted. It can be used short-term for post operative pain, or as a fourth line choice for long-term use.
- Topical formulations are NOT on the formulary
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (Dec 2007): NSAIDs and coxibs: balancing of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks
MHRA Drug Safety Update (Jan 2015): Cox-2 selective inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Cardiovascular safety.
MHRA Drug Safety Update (June 2013): Diclofenac: new contraindications and warnings
MHRA Drug Safety Update (June 2023): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): potential risks following prolonged use after 20 weeks of pregnancy
MHRA Drug safety Update (Oct 2012): Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): cardiovascular risks
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Diclofenac Sodium
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Formulary
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Injection: 75 mg/3 ml
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (June 2013): Diclofenac: new contraindications and warnings
MHRA Drug Safety Update (June 2023): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): potential risks following prolonged use after 20 weeks of pregnancy
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Diclofenac Suppositories
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Formulary
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Diclofenac: new contraindications and warnings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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Flurbiprofen
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Formulary
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Celecoxib
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Alternatives
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Etodolac
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Alternatives
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- Capsules: 300mg
- MR tablets: 600mg
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Etoricoxib
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Alternatives
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- Tablets: 30mg, 60mg, 90mg, 120mg
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Indometacin
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Alternatives
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- Capsules: 25 mg, 50 mg
- SR Capsules: 75 mg
- Suppositories: 100 mg
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Mefenamic Acid
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Alternatives
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- Capsules: 250 mg
- Tablets: 500 mg
- Suspension: 50 mg/5 mL
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Nabumetone
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Alternatives
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Phenylbutazone
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Alternatives
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Tablets: 100mg
Indication: Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Used only by a specialist in severe cases where other treatments have been found unsuitable.
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10.01.01 |
Aspirin |
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10.01.02 |
Corticosteroids |
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10.01.02.01 |
Systemic corticosteroids |
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10.01.02.02 |
Local corticosteroids injections |
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Dexamethasone Phosphate
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Formulary
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Injection: 3.3 mg/1 mL, 4 mg/1 mL, 6.6 mg/2 mL, 8 mg/2 mL
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Hydrocortisone acetate 25mg in 1ml injection
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Formulary
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Methylprednisolone Acetate 40mg in 1ml injection
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Formulary
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Methylprednisolone Acetate 40mg with lidocaine 1% injection
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Formulary
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Triamcinolone Acetonide
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Formulary
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- The following triamcinolone acetonide preparations are approved:
- Kenalog® - 40mg in 1ml and intramuscular/intra-articular injection.
- Adcortyl® - 50mg in 5ml intradermal/intra-articular injection.
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Triamcinolone hexacetonide 20mg in 1ml
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Unlicensed
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- Only approved for paediatric use.
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10.01.03 |
Drugs which suppress the rheumatic disease process |
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Baricitinib (Olumiant®)
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Formulary

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- Approved for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults in line with NICE.
- Approved for use in monogenic interferonopathis in adults and children 2 years and over in line with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy.
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Clinical Commissioning Policy Baricitinib for use in monogenic interferonopathies (adults and children 2 years and over) (210506P)
Clinical Commissioning Policy: Baricitinib for patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 (adults and children aged 2 years and over)
MHRA Drug Safety Update (April 2023): Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: new measures to reduce risks of major cardiovascular events, malignancy, venous thromboembolism, serious infections and increased mortality
MHRA Drug Safety Update (Aug 2020): Baricitinib (Olumiant▼): increased risk of diverticulitis, particularly in patients with risk factors
MHRA Drug Safety Update (Mar 2020): Baricitinib (Olumiant▼): risk of venous thromboembolism
NICE TA466: Baricitinib for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
NICE TA681: Baricitinib for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
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Filgotinib (Jyseleca®)
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Formulary

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- Approved for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in line with NICE
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (April 2023): Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: new measures to reduce risks of major cardiovascular events, malignancy, venous thromboembolism, serious infections and increased mortality
NICE TA676: Filgotinib for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
NICE TA792: Filgotinib for treating moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis
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Tofacitinib (Xeljanz®)
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Formulary

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- 5mg and 10mg tablets.
- Approved for treating junveline idiopathic arthritis in line with NICE
- Approved for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs in line with NICE.
- Approved for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults in line with NICE.
- Approved for for treating active ankylosing spondylitis in line with NICE
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (April 2023): Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: new measures to reduce risks of major cardiovascular events, malignancy, venous thromboembolism, serious infections and increased mortality
MHRA Drug Safety Update (Mar 2020): Tofacitinib (Xeljanz▼): new measures to minimise risk of venous thromboembolism and of serious and fatal infections
MHRA Drug Safety Update (May 2019): Tofacitinib (Xeljanz▼): restriction of 10 mg twice-daily dose in patients at high risk of pulmonary embolism while safety review is ongoing
NICE TA480: Tofacitinib for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis Technology appraisal guidance
NICE TA543: Tofacitinib for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs
NICE TA547: Tofacitinib for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis
NICE TA735: Tofacitinib for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis
NICE TA920: Tofacitinib for treating active ankylosing spondylitis
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Minocycline
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Formulary
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- Only approved for use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are unable to tolerate biologics and other DMARDs.
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10.01.03 |
Gold |
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10.01.03 |
Penicillamine |
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Penicillamine
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Formulary
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10.01.03 |
Antimalarials |
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Hydroxychloroquine
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Formulary
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (Feb 2022): Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine: increased risk of cardiovascular events when used with macrolide antibiotics; reminder of psychiatric reactions
NENC Shared Care Protocol - Hydroxychloroquine for patients within adult services
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10.01.03 |
Drugs affecting the immune response |
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Azathioprine
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Formulary
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NENC Shared Care Protocol - Azathioprine and mercaptopurine within adult services (non-transplant indications)
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Ciclosporin
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Formulary
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County Durham and Darlington Shared Care Guideline: Ciclosporin
Tees Valley Shared Care Guideline: Ciclosporin
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Leflunomide
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Formulary
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NENC Shared Care Protocol - Leflunomide for patients within adult services
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Methotrexate (Rheumatology)
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Formulary
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County Durham and Darlington Shared Care Guideline: Methotrexate
MHRA Drug Safety Update (August 2023): Methotrexate: advise patients to take precautions in the sun to avoid photosensitivity reactions
South Tyneside & Sunderland APC Shared Care Guideline - Methotrexate in Rheumatology
Tees Valley Shared Care Guideline: Methotrexate
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Mycophenolate
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Formulary
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NENC Shared Care Protocol - Mycophenolate mofetil and mycophenolic acid in adults (non-transplant indications)
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10.01.03 |
Cytokine modulators |
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Abatacept (Orencia®)
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Formulary
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- Abatacept 250mg injection is approved for:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients aged six years and above (licensed) and under six years. It should only be prescribed with informed consent.
- People aged 6 years and older to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) whose diease has responded inadequately to other DMARDs, including at least one tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor in accordance with NICE.
- Rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a TNF inhibitor in line with NICE.
- Treatment in adults with severe rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed in accordance with NICE.
- Treatment of severe treatment-resistant morphoea in line with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy
- Treating modertae rheumatoid arthritis after conventional DMARDs have failed in line with NICE
- Treating idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in adults and children aged 2 and over in line with NHS England Commissioning Policy
- Abatacept 125mg SC injection (prefilled syringe) is approved for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with NICE.
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Clinical Commissioning Policy (210505P) Statement: Abatacept for treatment of severe treatment-resistant morphoea (localised scleroderma)
NICE TA373: Abatacept, adalimumab, etanercept and tocilizumab for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis
NICE TA375: Rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed
NICE TA715: Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and abatacept for treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis after conventional DMARDs have failed
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Adalimumab
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Formulary
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- Adalimumab is approved for:
- The treatment of adults with severe rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed in accordance with NICE
- Rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a TNF inhibitor in accordance with NICE.
- Treatment of severe active ankylosing spondylitis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in accordance with NICE.
- Psoriatic arthritis in accordance with NICE.
- As a second-line anti-TNF therapy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and uveitis.
- Children and adults aged 2 years and older to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) whose disease has responded inadequately to 1 or more DMARD in accordance with NICE.
- Treating moderate rheumatoid arhritis after conventional DMARDs have failed in line with NICE
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NICE TA195: Rheumatoid arthritis - after failure of a TNF inhibitor
NICE TA199: Psoriatic arthritis
NICE TA373: Abatacept, adalimumab, etanercept and tocilizumab for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis
NICE TA375: Rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed
NICE TA383: TNF-alpha inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
NICE TA715: Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and abatacept for treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis after conventional DMARDs have failed
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Anakinra (Kineret®)
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Formulary
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- Approved for:
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in line with NICE and NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy: E03/P/d
- Periodic Fevers and Autoinflammatory conditions in line with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy: 170062P
- Adult‑onset Still’s disease and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in people 8 months and older in line with NICE
- Cryopyrin Associated Periodic Syndrome in line with NHSE Service Specification.
- The treatment of severe gout in patients who have not responded to other treatment and for patients with pseudogout who have failed to respond to conventional treatment or unable to tolerate conventional treatment.
- Chronic Infantile Neurocutaneous Arthritis (CINCA) and Muckle-Wells Syndrome (
unlicensed indications).
- Islet cell transplantation as part of a protocol including alemtuzumab and etanercept to improve outcomes (i.e. insulin dependance)
- Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) for adults and children in all ages
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NICE TA685: Anakinra for treating Still’s disease
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Apremilast (Otezla®)
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Formulary
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- Approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in line with NICE
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (Jan 2017): Apremilast (Otezla ▼): risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour
NICE TA433: Apremilast for treating active psoriatic arthritis
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Belimumab (Benlysta®)
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Formulary
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- Approved for treating active autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus in line with NICE
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (April 2019): Belimumab (Benlysta▼): increased risk of serious psychiatric events seen in clinical trials
NICE TA752: Belimumab for treating active autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus
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Bimekizumab (Bimzelx®)
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Formulary

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- 160mg/1ml solution for injection - pre-filled pen and syringes
- Approved for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in line with NICE
- Approved fofr the treatment of axial spondyloartritis in line with NICE
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NICE TA916: Bimekizumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis
NICE TA918: Bimekizumab for treating axial spondyloarthritis
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Certolizumab Pegol (Cimzia®)
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Formulary
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- Approved for:
- Adults with severe rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed in accordance with NICE.
- Rheumatoid arthritis after inadequate response to a TNF-alpha inhibitor in accordance with NICE.
- Severe active ankylosing spondylitis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in accordance with NICE.
- Psoriatic arthritis in accordance with NICE.
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NICE TA 415 - Certolizumab pegol for treating rheumatoid arthritis after inadequate response to a TNF-alpha inhibitor
NICE TA375: Rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed
NICE TA383: TNF-alpha inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
NICE TA445: Certolizumab pegol and secukinumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs
NICE TA574: Certolizumab pegol for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
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Etanercept
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Formulary
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Prescribe by brand name.
- Approved formulations include 10mg (Enbrel®) 25mg injection (Enbrel®, Benepali® & Erelzi®), 50mg injection (Enbrel®, Benepali® & Erelzi®).
- Approved for:
- Treatment in adults with severe rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed in line with NICE.
- Rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a TNF inhibitor in line with NICE.
- Psoriatic arthritis in accordance with NICE.
- Treatment of severe active ankylosing spondylitis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in accordance with NICE.
- The treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in people 2 years or older whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant of methotrexate in line with NICE.
- Treatment of Juvenile Scleroderma (Its use will be subject to informed consent and specialists using etanercept in this indication should collect data on patient outcomes. If after a six month trial, treatment were found to be beneficial, it would be continued for two years. If unsuccessful after six months, treatment should be discontinued).
- People aged 2 years and older to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) whose diease has responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant of methotrexate in line with NICE.
- Treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis after conventional DMARDs have failed in line with NICE
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NICE TA35: Adult psoriasis
NICE TA195: Rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a TNF inhibitor
NICE TA199: Psoriatic arthritis
NICE TA373: Abatacept, adalimumab, etanercept and tocilizumab for JIA
NICE TA375: Rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed
NICE TA383: TNF-alpha inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
NICE TA715: Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and abatacept for treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis after conventional DMARDs have failed
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Golimumab (Simponi®)
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Formulary

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- Approved for:
- Rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with NICE.
- Psoriatic arthritis in accordance with NICE.
- The treatment of severe active ankylosing spondylitis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in accordance with NICE.
- Treatment in adults with severe rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed in accordance with NICE.
- The treatment of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in accordance with NICE
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NICE TA220: psoriatic arthritis
NICE TA497: Golimumab for treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
NICE TA375: Rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed
NICE TA383: TNF-alpha inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
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Guselkumab (Tremfya)
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Formulary
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- 100 mg/1 mL as a pre-filled syringe
- Approved (alone or with methotrexate) for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs in line with NICE
Overview | Guselkumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs | Guidance | NICE
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NICE TA815: Guselkumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs
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Infliximab (Remsima®, Inflectra®, Remicade® )
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Formulary
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- Approved for:
- Treatment in adults with severe rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs have failed in accordance with NICE.
- Rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a TNF inhibitor in line with NICE.
- Psoriatic arthritis in accordance with NICE.
- JIA in patients who have not responded to etanercept.
- Juvenile dermatomyositis and paediatric onset Behcet’s disease where there has been intolerance or lack of response to 1st and 2nd line therapies.
- The treatment of severe active ankylosing spondylitis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in accordance with NICE.
- Treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis after conventional DMARDs have failed in line with NICE
- Refractory sarcoidosis (excluding neurosarcoidosis) in adults in line with NHSE Specialised Commissioing Policy
- Prescribe by brand name; Remsima®, Inflectra®, Remicade®.
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NHSE Specialised Commissioning Policy: Infliximab for refractory sarcoidosis (excluding neurosarcoidosis) (adults)
NICE TA195: Rheumatoid arthritis (after failure of a TNF inhibitor)
NICE TA199: Psoriatic arthritis
NICE TA375: Rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed
NICE TA383: TNF-alpha inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
NICE TA715: Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and abatacept for treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis after conventional DMARDs have failed
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Ixekizumab (Taltz®)
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Formulary

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- 80mg/ml pre-filled syringe or pen
- Approved for the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis in line with NICE
- Approved for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDS
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NICE TA537: Ixekizumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs
NICE TA718: Ixekizumab for treating axial spondyloarthritis
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Rituximab
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Formulary
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- Approved for:
- Adults with severe systemic lupus erythematosus who have failed conventional therapies.
- Rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a TNF inhibitor in line with NICE.
- Combination with methotrexate as first-line biological therapy in cases where there is an absolute contraindication to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (NETAG approval).
- Combination with other (non-methotrexate) disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and as monotherapy in cases in which conventional treatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors or methotrexate is deemed unsafe (NETAG approval).
- For immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Criteria
- Myositis in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Criteria
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Criteria
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NHS England Commissioning Policies (Specialised Rheumatology)
NICE TA195: Rheumatoid arthritis - after failure of a TNF inhibitor
NTAG - Treatment Appraisal Decision Summary - Rituximab Biosimilars
MHRA Drug Safety Update (Dec 2013): Rituximab: screen for hepatitis B virus before treatment.
MHRA Drug Safety Update (Dec 2014): Rituximab: progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient
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Sarilumab (Kevzara®)
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Formulary
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- 150mg/1.14mL & 200mg/1.14mL injection
- Approved as an option for treating active rheumatoid arthritis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to intensive therapy with a combination of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in line with NICE
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NICE TA485: Sarilumab for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
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Secukinumab (Cosentyx®)
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Formulary
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- Approved for active ankylosing spondylitis in line with NICE.
- Approved for psoriatic arthritis in line with NICE.
- Approved for the treatment of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in line with NICE
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NICE TA407: Secukinumab for active ankylosing spondylitis after treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or TNF-alpha inhibitors
NICE TA445: Certolizumab pegol and secukinumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs
NICE TA719: Secukinumab for treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
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Tocilizumab (RoActemra®)
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Formulary


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- IV preparations approved for:
- Systemic JIA in children and young people aged 2 years and older in line with NICE.
- People aged 2 years and older to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) whose diease has responded inadequately to previous therapy with methotrexate in line with NICE.
- An alternative treatment to anakinra for patients with systemic onset JIA who have already received treatment with etanercept and adalimumab (NETAG approval). Not recommended for polyarticular JIA.
- Rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with NICE.
- Treatment in adults with severe rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed in accordance with NICE.
- 162mg SC injection is approved for:
- Rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with NICE.
- Giant cell arteritis in adults only if:
- they have relapsing or refractory disease
- they have not already had tocilizumab
- tocilizumab is stopped after 1 year of uninterrupted treatment at most.
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (July 2019): Tocilizumab (RoActemra): rare risk of serious liver injury including cases requiring transplantation
NICE TA247: Tocilizumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
NICE TA373: Abatacept, adalimumab, etanercept and tocilizumab for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis
NICE TA375: Rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed
NICE TA518: Tocilizumab for treating giant cell arteritis
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Upadacitinib (Rinvoq®)
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Formulary

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- Approved for the treatment of severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults in line with NICE.
- Approved for the treatment of moderate rheumatoid arthritis in line with NICE.
- Approved for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis after inadeqaute response to DMARDs in line with NICE.
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (April 2023): Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: new measures to reduce risks of major cardiovascular events, malignancy, venous thromboembolism, serious infections and increased mortality
NICE TA665: Upadacitinib for treating severe rheumatoid arthritis
NICE TA744: Upadacitinib for treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis
NICE TA768: Upadacitinib for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs
NICE TA814: Abrocitinib, tralokinumab or upadacitinib for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
NICE TA829: Upadacitinib for treating active ankylosing spondylitis
NICE TA861: Upadacitinib for treating active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
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Ustekinumab (Stelara®)
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Formulary
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- Approved for psoriatic arthritis in accordance with NICE.
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MHRA Drug Safety Update (Jan 2015): Ustekinumab (Stelara): risk of exfoliative dermatitis
NICE TA340: Ustekinumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis (Updated March 2017)
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10.01.03 |
Sulfasalazine |
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Sulfasalazine E/C tablets
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Formulary
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NENC Shared Care Protocol - Sulfasalazine for patients within adult services
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10.01.04 |
Gout and cytotoxic-induced hyperuricaemia |
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10.01.04 |
Acute attacks of gout |
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Colchicine
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Formulary
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10.01.04 |
Long-term control of gout |
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Allopurinol
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First Choice
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- An allopurinol 100mg in 5ml suspension (
unlicensed) is also approved for use.
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Benzbromarone
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Formulary
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Tablets: 100mg
Special order product
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Febuxostat (Adenuric® )
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Formulary
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- Approved for patients where allopurinol is not tolerated or contraindicated in line with NICE.
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MHRA: Febuxostat: updated advice for the treatment of patients with a history of major cardiovascular disease (May 2023)
NICE NG219: Gout: diagnosis and management
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Probenecid
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Unlicensed
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Tablets: 500mg
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10.01.04 |
Hyperuricaemia associated with cytotoxic drugs |
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Allopurinol
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Formulary
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- An allopurinol 100mg in 5ml suspension (
unlicensed) is also approved for use.
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Rasburicase
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Formulary
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- Only approved for prophylactic use in high risk patients.
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Sulfinpyrazole
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Formulary
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Tablets: 100mg, 200mg
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10.01.05 |
Other drugs for rheumatic diseases |
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Autologous chondrocyte implantation
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Formulary
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Commissioning: NHS England
Overview | Autologous chondrocyte implantation using chondrosphere for treating symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the knee | Guidance | NICE
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Avacopan (Tavneos®)
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Formulary
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- an option for treating severe active granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis in adults - in line with NICE TA825
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10.02 |
Drugs used in neuromuscular disorders |
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Mexiletine (Namuscla®)
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Formulary

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- Approved for the treatment of myotonia in patients with non-dystrophic myotonic disorders in line with NICE and NHSE commissioning policy (SSC2001).
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NICE TA748: Mexiletine for treating the symptoms of myotonia in non-dystrophic myotonic disorders
|
Nusinersen (Spinraza®)
|
Formulary
|
- 12mg solution for injection
- Approved as an option for treating 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types 1, 2 or 3 in line with NICE.
|
NHS England Urgent Clinical Commissioning Policy Statement (170018/P)
NICE TA588: Nusinersen for treating spinal muscular atrophy
|
Risdiplam (Evrysdi®)
|
Formulary
|
- 0.75mg/1ml oral solution
- Approved for treating spinal muscular atrophy in line with NICE
- To be provided by Newcastle Hospitals homecare service only
|
NICE TA755: Risdiplam for treating spinal muscular atrophy
|
10.02.01 |
Drugs used in neuromuscular disorders |
|
|
Ataluren (Translarna®)
|
Formulary
|
- Approved as an option for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy resulting from a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene in people 2 years and over who can walk - in line with NICE HST22.
|
NICE HST22: Ataluren for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy with a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene
|
10.02.01 |
Anticholinesterases |
|
|
Edrophonium Chloride
|
Formulary
|
|
|
Neostigmine
|
Formulary
|
|
|
Pyridostigmine Bromide
|
Formulary
|
|
|
10.02.01 |
Immunosuppressant therapy |
|
|
10.02.01 |
Acetylcholine-release enhancers |
|
|
10.02.02 |
Skeletal muscle relaxants |
|
|
Baclofen (Tablets, SF liquid & injection)
|
First Choice
|
- The following baclofen intrachecal injections (
unlicensed) are also approved; 36mg in 12ml, and 72mg in 12ml intrathecal injections.
|
|
Diazepam (Tablets, solution, syrup, injection)
|
First Choice
|
- Note: diazepam 10mg tablets are no longer on the formulary.
|
|
Cannabis extract (Sativex®)
|
Formulary
|
- cannabidiol 2.5mg/dronabinol 2.7mg per dose oromucosal spray
- approved to treat moderate to severe spasticity in adults with multiple sclerosis in line with NICE

|
NENC Shared Care Protocol: Sativex (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol / cannabidiol) Oromucosal Spray
NICE NG144: Cannabis-based medicinal products
|
Dantrolene (Capsules)
|
Alternatives
|
|
|
Tizanidine
|
Alternatives
|
- Approved for use on advice from neurologists when other treatments are unsuitable.
|
|
10.02.02 |
Other muscle relaxants |
|
|
10.02.02 |
Nocturnal leg cramps |
|
|
Quinine sulfate
|
Formulary
|
- 200mg & 300mg tablets
- Approved for nocturnal leg cramps in accordance with MHRA advice
|
|
10.03 |
Drugs for the treatment of soft-tissue disorders and topical pain relief |
|
|
10.03 |
Extravasation |
|
|
10.03.01 |
Enzymes |
|
|
Hyaluronidase (Hyalase®)
|
Formulary
|
|
|
10.03.02 |
Rubefacients, topical NSAIDs, capsaicin, and poultices |
|
|
10.03.02 |
Topical NSAIDs and counter-irritants |
|
|
Ibuprofen gel (5%)
|
Formulary
|
|
|
10.03.02 |
Capsaicin |
|
|
Capsaicin
|
Formulary
|
- 0.025% cream
- approved for use as an adjunct to core treatment for knee and hand osteoarthritis as per NICE
|
NICE NG226 - Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management
|
10.03.02 |
Poultices |
|
|
.... |
Non Formulary Items |
Baricitinib

|
Non Formulary
|
- Not recommended for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis in people 2 years and over in line with NICE
|
NICE TA982: Baricitinib for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis in people 2 years and over (terminated appraisal)
|
Ravulizumab (Ultomiris®)

|
Non Formulary
|
- 300mg/30ml and 110mg/11ml concentrate for solution for infusion
- Not recommended for treating generalised myasthenia gravis in adults in line with NICE
- Not recommended for treating AQP4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in adults in line with NICE
|
NICE TA940: Ravulizumab for treating generalised myasthenia gravis (terminated appraisal)
NICE TA941: Ravulizumab for treating AQP4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (terminated appraisal)
|
Rubefacients (excluding topical NSAIDs)

|
Non Formulary
|
- Rubefacients, benzydamine, mucopolysaccharide and cooling products (excluding topical NSAIDs and capsaicin) are classified as BLACK – not approved
|
|
Satralizumab (Enspryng®)

|
Non Formulary
|
- Not recommended for preventing relapses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in line with NICE
|
NICE TA960: Satralizumab for preventing relapses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
|
|
Key |
 |
Restricted Drug |
 |
Unlicensed |
|
Link to adult BNF
|
|
Link to children's BNF
|
|
Link to SPCs
|
|
Cytotoxic Drug |
|
Controlled Drug |
|
|
High Cost Medicine |
|
NHS England |
|
Homecare |
|
ICB |
|
Low carbon footprint |
|
Medium carbon footprint |
|
High carbon footprint |
|
Status |
Description |

|
Drugs for hospital use only. The responsibility for initiation and monitoring treatment should rest with an appropriate hospital clinician and the drug should be supplied through the hospital throughout the duration of treatment. In some very exceptional circumstances (e.g. due to distance from the hospital, storage, supply or mobility/transport problems) it may be appropriate for the GP to be asked to prescribe a Red drug. This should be negotiated on an individual patient basis and should only be done with the GP’s prior informed agreement where the roles of the GP and hospital services are clearly defined and agreed. The GP should not feel under pressure to prescribe in these circumstances. For all RED drugs automatically added to the formulary in response to a positive NICE TA: Prescribers need to ensure that local Trust new drug governance procedures and pharmacy processes are followed before any prescribing. |

|
Drugs initiated by hospital specialist, but where continuing treatment by GPs may be appropriate under a shared care arrangement. These medicines are considered suitable for primary care prescribing following specialist initiation of therapy and stabilisation, with ongoing communication between the primary care prescriber and specialist as set out in the associated shared care guideline (SCG). Shared care should be initiated by the specialist, which includes consultant, suitably trained specialist non-medical prescriber or GPwER within a secondary, tertiary, or primary care clinic.
The specialist should send the primary care prescriber a copy of the NENC Clinical Effectiveness and Governance (CEG) Subcommittee approved SCG to sign. The primary care prescriber should sign the SCG or indicate reasons why they are unable to accept the agreement and return a copy back to the specialist, as soon as possible.
SCGs are available or are being developed for most of the drugs listed as AMBER. |

|
Drugs normally recommended or initiated by a hospital specialist who is a prescriber, a GP with an extended role [GPwER], or a specialist within primary care which can be safely maintained in primary care and monitored in primary care. In some cases, a further restriction for use may be defined. The primary care prescriber must be familiar with the drug to take on prescribing responsibility or must obtain the required information from the specialist. Therefore, provision of additional information, or an information leaflet, may be appropriate in some cases to facilitate continuing treatment by primary care prescriber or provide information re stopping criteria.
These are considered suitable for primary care prescribing following specialist assessment and recommendation of therapy, with ongoing communication between the primary care prescriber and specialist, if necessary.
In some case these drugs require specialist initiation and short to medium term monitoring of efficacy or toxicity until the patient’s dose is stable. Following specialist review the patient may be transferred to primary care for ongoing prescribing. Ongoing prescribing by primary care can include, if required, additional dose titrations and assessment of efficacy, with ongoing communication between the primary care prescriber and specialist, if necessary.
If the drug requires urgent initiation, it is expected that the specialist undertakes the initial prescribing responsibility for an appropriate period of time, usually a minimum of 28 days. A GREEN+ drug can only be recommended to primary care for initiation if does not need to be initiated within 28 days. |

|
Medicines suitable for initiation, ongoing prescribing and discontinuation in all care settings, subject to appropriate communication between those responsible. |

|
UNDER REVIEW: drugs whose current formulary status or RAG status is currently under review. |

|
Drugs that have been considered by the NENC Clinical Effectiveness and Governance (CEG) Subcommittee (or other approved body) and are not approved for prescribing within the North East and North Cumbria ICS. These may also include all medicines with a “not NHS” or “DLCV” classification in the BNF, those agents as included within the NICE “Do not do” list, and those agents included with the NHS England: Items which should not routinely be prescribed in primary care. |
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