In this episode John Oliver speaks to expert guests about evaluating the suitability of unlicensed medicines for the patient. We discuss practical considerations for managing them in dispensaries, performing a quality assessment and good governance frameworks. (29m:55s)

Speakers:

John Oliver, Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS SPS

Dr. Andrew Lowey, Lead Clinician, Pharmacy Preparative Services Leeds Teaching Hospitals, and chair of the NHS Pharmacy Production Committee

Penny Daynes, Associate Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist; NHS SPS, North East and Yorkshire

Katherine Cullen, Divisional Director Clinical Support Services, Chief Pharmacist; Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Lynn Morrison, Regional Quality Assurance Specialist; NHS Scotland

Amanda Cooper, Assistant Head of NHS SPS

Useful links:

MHRA guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed-medicinal-products-specials (MHRA guidance on unlicensed medicinal products – specials, including Guidance Note 14)

SPS guidance

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/guidance/unlicensed-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-excipients-in-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/searching-for-presence-or-absence-of-an-excipient-in-medicines/

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/navigating-a-potential-supply-issue/ (SPS log-in required)

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/managing-complexities-of-medication-use-across-care-boundaries/ (Medication Safety across the System providing resources that include valuable real-world examples of safely managing unlicensed liquid medicines)