Special Container Database

A product is granted special container status in cases where it’s not practical to split an original pack.

Where the quantity of a product ordered by the prescriber does not coincide with that of an original pack size and the product is classed as a special container (either as a  complete pack or sub-pack size), pharmacy owners can supply and will be reimbursed for supplying the special container pack size or combination of pack sizes (complete pack or sub-pack) nearest to the quantity ordered. The prescription form should be endorsed with the number and pack size(s) of the special containers supplied. Where the quantity ordered falls exactly between two containers, pharmacy teams must dispense to the nearest complete container, rounding down unless the quantity ordered is more than halfway into the second pack size

Special container status is granted to a product if it meets one or more of the following Original Pack Dispensing (OPD) exceptions outlined in the Human Medicines Regulations (HMR) (i.e. the OPD +/-10% rules do not apply to special containers):

• medicines in a form that makes it not practicable to dispense in the exact quantity ordered;
• medicines in a container that has an integral means of application or from which it is not practicable to dispense an exact quantity;
• medicines that cannot be dispensed in the quantity ordered without adversely affecting the medicine

However, currently, the HMR OPD exceptions above do not align with the special container criteria outlined in Part II Clause 10B of the Drug Tariff. According to the Drug Tariff, special container status is granted where the quantity of a product ordered by the prescriber does not coincide with that of an original pack and the drug or chemical reagent is:

• Sterile
• Effervescent or hygroscopic, or
  • a. Liquid preparations for addition to bath water
  • b. Coal Tar preparations
  • c. Viscous external preparations
• 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 form which it is not practicable to dispense the exact quantity
• Semisodium Valproate, Sodium Valproate, Valproic Acid

Where a product meets the special container criteria as set out in the Drug Tariff or in line with the HMR OPD exceptions, a special container indicator for the relevant pack size (complete pack or sub-pack) is applied to the respective product entries in the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d) and in the Drug Tariff, where listed.

If you identify any particular product(s) that are not currently classed as special containers but you believe fulfils at least one of the three HMR OPD exceptions above or satisfies any of the special container criteria outlined in Part II Clause 10B of the Drug Tariff, please notify Community Pharmacy England’s Dispensing and Supply Team (0203 1220 810 or ds.team@cpe.org.uk). The team will investigate and assess if the requested product(s) meet the relevant criteria. Where appropriate, Community Pharmacy England will make an application to the NHSBSA and DHSC seeking the special container status of the product(s) to be re-determined.