ICS Formulary
Specials Recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists for Skin Disease
Most prescribing uses licensed medicines whose safety and efficacy are assured. For many common dermatological diseases including psoriasis and eczema, the range of licensed medicines is limited. As a result, Dermatology prescribing may rely significantly on unlicensed creams and ointments (known as ‘Specials’) containing tars, dithranol, salicylic acid, steroids and other active constituents in a range of concentrations and bases. This is of particular concern in primary care where lack of effective price controls and a mechanism to ensure independent scrutiny of product quality has increased costs and concern about standards. To address these concerns, and help optimise quality of care, adherence to the revised British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) list of preferred Specials (2018) is encouraged.
Links
County Durham and Tees Valley Guidance for Prescribing and Monitoring in Post Bariatric Surgery in Primary Care
Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Asymptomatic Liver Blood Test Abnormalities- MHRA Drug Safety Update (Aug 2017): Corticosteroids: rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local as well as systemic administration
- MHRA Drug Safety Update (May 2024) : Topical steroids: introduction of new labelling and a reminder of the possibility of severe side effects, including Topical Steroid Withdrawal Reactions
- MHRA Drug Safety Update (Sep 2021): Topical corticosteroids: information on the risk of topical steroid withdrawal reactions
- MSN/2024/027: Discontinuation of Daktacort 2%/1% cream
- NICE TA81: Frequency of application of topical corticosteroids for atopic eczema
- North of Tyne, Gateshead and North Cumbria - Management of patients, post-bariatric surgery in primary care
- NTAG: Transanal irrigation (TAI) systems (Peristeen Plus®, Aquaflush®, and QuFora®) for neurogenic bowel dysfunction, chronic constipation and chronic faecal incontinence