We do not have a true generic of 'paracetamol caplets' on the database for the following reasons:

1) Caplets are defined as 'capsule shaped tablets', they are the same formulation just a different shape.

2) Part VIII listing in the Drug Tariff is for 'tablets' and we have to keep in line with these descriptions.

3) The dm+d only has an entry for 'tablets'. Going forward if there is no dm+d code for a product it will not go through the ETP system.

4) A pharmacist can dispense either tablets or caplets against a prescription written for 'paracetamol tablets' as they will get reimbursed the part VIII price.

Therefore we will not be adding a generic of 'paracetamol caplets' to the database at this time.

The Marketing Authorisation ceased for co-proxamol at the end of 2007. The MHRA issued a statement on the sale and supply stating that no further stock of co-proximal should be released into normal distribution after 31.12.07.

The legal category has been amended on MDDF to reflect this accordingly to:

CD:Sch 5 POM - named patient

The DH have confirmed that following the expiry of the formulation patent on Istin and the launch of generic amlodipine besilate, the concession for dispensing and endorsing Istin will cease from 1st July 2007. Contractors will be reimbursed for prescriptions for any amlodipine salt based on the Drug Tariff price for amlodipine.

Therefore the following will be amended on MDDF:

The synonym records for amlodipine (as besilate) tablets and amlodipine (as maleate) tablets will be suppressed and therefore no longer visible on picking lists.

The synonym links between these records and those for amlodipine tablets will no longer exist.

New entries in the "replacement record" function will be made to ensure that prescriptions for either of the named salts are transferred to amlodipine tablets.

These changes are in the the datacut deliveries to customers at the beginning of June 2007.

Zero Discount changes in England and Wales

Changes have been made to Multilex DDF to reflect the changes to the zero discount arrangements listed in the September 2006 England and Wales Drug Tariff.

Products listed in the new single list of products for which discount is not deducted are now listed as automatic zero discount within Multilex DDF. Products which are manufacturers specials are now listed as zero discount to be claimed within Multilex DDF. If zero discount is to be claimed an endorsement of DNG is required. Further details of the changes to the zero discount arrangements are available from www.psnc.org.uk/zd.

At present some injections and infusions on Multilex DDF require the prescriber to select the product they require from a pack rather than a product. In order to facilitate prescribing, dispensing and administration of parenteral products and in response to requests from prescribers, records for injections and infusions will be amended and will be expressed in terms of their unit dose volume where appropriate.

For example:-

Atracurium besilate injection 10mg/ml

has become:-

Atracurium besilate injection 250mg/25ml

Atracurium besilate injection 25mg/2.5ml

Atracurium besilate injection 50mg/5ml

To allow for any disruption to repeat prescribing, enhanced replacement record functionality will be provided to facilitate customers switching to the new records.

Broad spectrum antibiotics will affect the composition of the gut flora, which may lead to a decreased transit time of oral medications. In the case of combined oral contraceptives, particularly where the dose of oestrogen component is low this may lead to decreased absorption and reduced efficacy.

The evidence for this potential interaction is slight*, but in view of the severe consequences of contraceptive failure it has been included on the Multilex Drug Data File for broad spectrum antibiotics such as ampicillin and erythromycin.

Users of the contraceptive pill should always be advised to follow the manufacturers' recommendations in the case of missed pills or gastrointestinal upset.

* Stockley's Drug Interactions sixth edition, 2002 Pharmaceutical Press.

Aviva biosensor strips (Roch) (added August 2005) (Read code puhx.)

Multiclix lancet - sterile single use 0.3mm/30gauge (Roche) (added August 2005) (Read code ph7n.)

Compact colorimetric test strips (Roche) (Read code puhr.)

Active colorimetric strips (Roche) puhl.

The reason you cannot find the strips and the lancets on the database is that we cannot put 'Accu-Chek' in the name for the following reason:

Accu-Chek is an umbrella brand for all Roche Diagnostics diabetes care products (meter systems, strips and lancets) in the same way that Vauxhall is the umbrella brand for Vectra and Astra cars. To avoid confusion with prescriptions they do not use the Accu-Chek brand in the product descriptions used for drug tariff purposes (this is to avoid a prescription being written incorrectly for just "Accu-Chek" rather than Aviva/Multiclix, Compact/Active or Softclix II lancets).