From Mr N. Morley, MRPharmS
SIR,-As part of my work in teaching the Drug Tariff and also assessing the impact of the new maximum generics prices applicable to community pharmacy, I am routinely sent current major manufacturers' price lists. I have received such prices for generics purchased through wholesalers this month pertaining to the prices to be charged to community pharmacy for their generics purchased through conventional wholesalers such as AAH, Philip Harris, etc. To my dismay, many of these generics purchased through the wholesalers will attract no discount and effectively are zero discount items; this is particularly so with some APS generics. If a community pharmacy buys the following generics - amitriptyline, aspirin, bendroflumethiazide, bendrofluazide, diethylstilboestrol, furosemide, metoclopramide, oxytetracycline, phenobarbital, phenytoin, propranolol, salbutamol, spironolactone, temazepam, terfenadine and verapamil - in patient packs through a conventional wholesaler, I understand that these are not currently recognised as a traditional line which can be endorsed ZD for zero discount. Therefore, pharmacy contractors are likely to lose money on them. They may of course find they can buy these at discount through shortline wholesalers. The message is very clear: contractors will have to be extra vigilant on all the low-value, maximum-price generic patient packs.
It has also been suggested to me that mefenamic acid is likely to be the first NCSO ("no cheaper stock obtainable") since there is only one effective generic supplier, which is struggling to meet the price offer by the Department. Contractors will have to go either to the Ashbourne or Parke Davis brand, which will obviously increase NHS drug costs.
Nigel Morley
Creaton, Northamptonshire
Mr STEPHEN AXON (general secretary, Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee) replies: Discounts available on generics will be picked up within the next discount inquiry which we expect to take place in October. There have been no reported shortages, to date, relating to mefenamic acid capsules and contractors may be assured that the PSNC will be discussing with the Prescription Pricing Authority and National Health Service Executive products likely to be NCSO for September.
The PSNC would fully endorse Mr Morley's exhortation for extra vigilance but this has always been the case where shortages are involved.
The PSNC will continue to keep pharmacy contractors informed through the pharmaceutical press and its website at www.psnc.org.uk.