Notice of changes to special container status of products

Where a product meets the special container criteria as set out in Part II Clause 10B of the Drug Tariff (see Background section below), a special container indicator for the relevant pack size (complete pack or sub-pack) is applied to the respective product entries in dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d) and in the Drug Tariff, where listed.

Following a review of the special container status of certain products, the Department of Health of Social Care (DHSC) has re-determined the following products now meet the special container criteria as set out in the Drug Tariff.

Please note: the lists below only show existing products which have been re-classified as special containers; the lists do not include any new products added to dm+d and the Drug Tariff that are granted special container status each month.

If you identify any particular product(s) which are not currently classed as special containers but you believe satisfy the criteria (as set out in Part II CLAUSE 10 B of the Drug Tariff), please notify Community Pharmacy England’s Dispensing and Supply Team (0203 1220 810 or info@cpe.org.uk) who will investigate and assess if it meets the relevant criteria. Where appropriate, Community Pharmacy England will make application to the NHSBSA and DHSC seeking for the special container status of the product(s) to be re-determined.

Background

Part II Clause 10 of the Drug Tariff sets out the rules for the quantity to be supplied of a prescribed product. Under the normal rules, pharmacy contractors are reimbursed for supplying the exact quantity ordered by the prescriber unless the preparation has been recognised as being packaged in a special container; for example, where the product is sterile or hygroscopic.

Part II CLAUSE 10 B of the Drug Tariff ‘Drugs and Chemical Reagents in Special Containers’ states the following:

“Where the quantity ordered by the prescriber does not coincide with that of an original pack and the drug or chemical reagent is: 

(i) Sterile 

(ii) Effervescent or hygroscopic, or 

(iii) (a) Liquid preparations for addition to bath water 

       (b) Coal Tar preparations 

       (c) Viscous external preparations 

(iv) Packed in a castor, collapsible tube, drop-bottle, pressurised aerosol, puffer pack, roll-on bottle, sachet, shaker, spray, squeeze pack, container with an integral means of applications, or any other container from which it is not practicable to dispense the exact quantity: 

the contractor shall supply in the special container or containers the quantity nearest to that ordered and endorse the prescription form with the number and size of those containers. Although payment will normally be based on the quantity nearest to that ordered, some items are available in a larger size pack or container than that normally required pursuant to orders on prescription forms. Where the amount ordered on a prescription form, or the frequency of supply, justifies supply from such larger size pack or container, payment will be based on the cost of that larger size in the absence of endorsement.” 

For more information on special containers see our page Special containers and products requiring reconstitution