Two developments widen availability of oseltamivir for 'flu
Two moves have been made to make oseltamivir (Tamiflu) more available for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza.
The Department of Health is consulting on allowing general practitioners
to issue private prescriptions for the product and Roche, its manufacturer,
has produced patient group direction templates that have been accredited
by the National Pharmaceutical Association.
The DoH is seeking views on placing Tamiflu on Schedule 11 of the NHS
(General Medical Services) Regulations. This would allow GPs to issue
private prescriptions for it to patients on their National Health Service
lists. National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance currently
restricts NHS prescribing of oseltamivir and zanamivir (Relenza) to “at-risk” patients
at times when influenza is circulating in the community. Private prescriptions
could be written for patients falling outside the guidance. A six-week
consultation will
run until 16 January 2004.
Roche’s patient group direction templates can be used by primary
care organisations wanting to tackle influenza outbreaks by allowing
pharmacists to supply oseltamivir to “at-risk” individuals.
The templates have been accredited by the NPA which made sure that the
procedures could be implemented by suitably trained pharmacists. Templates
for PGDs for the treatment of influenza and for prophylaxis in persons
exposed to it are available on the group protocols website (www.groupprotocols.org.uk). |
