Notice of changes to special container status of products
Published on: 26th June 2020 | Updated on: 26th September 2025
Where a product meets the special container criteria as set out in Part II Clause 10B of the Drug Tariff or the HMRs, a special container indicator for the relevant pack size (complete pack or sub-pack) is applied to the respective product entries in the 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, which 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.
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of October 2025:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
|
Cetrimide 0.2% / Benzalkonium chloride 0.01% cream
|
Drapolene cream (Supra Enterprises Ltd)
|
200 gram | Complete pack |
|
Co-magaldrox 195mg/220mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free
|
Mucogel® oral suspension (Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | 500ml | Complete pack |
|
Desmopressin 120microgram sublingual tablets sugar free
|
Molecule Pharma Ltd | 30 tablets | Complete pack |
| Enalapril 250microgram orodispersible tablets sugar free | Aqumeldi® 0.25mg orodispersible tablets (Proveca Ltd) | 50 tablets | Complete pack |
|
Enalapril 250microgram orodispersible tablets sugar free
|
Aqumeldi® 0.25mg orodispersible tablets (Proveca Ltd)
|
100 tablets | Complete pack |
|
Enalapril 1mg orodispersible tablets sugar free
|
Aqumeldi® 1mg orodispersible tablets (Proveca Ltd)
|
50 tablets | Complete pack |
|
Enalapril 1mg orodispersible tablets sugar free
|
Aqumeldi® 1mg orodispersible tablets (Proveca Ltd) | 100 grams | Complete pack |
|
Sodium chloride 0.9% nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit dose ampoules
|
Saline Steripoules® nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit dose ampoules (Galen Ltd) | 20 unit dose | Sub-pack of 10 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of September 2025:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
|
Simeticone 42mg/5ml oral drops
|
Dentinox® Infant colic drops (Dendron Brands Ltd)
|
100 ml | Complete pack |
|
Tranylcypromine 10mg tablets
|
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd | 28 tablets | Complete pack |
|
Dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops 0.3ml unit dose preservative free
|
Kent Pharma (UK) Ltd | 20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops 0.3ml unit dose preservative free | Kent Pharma (UK) Ltd | 30 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
|
Ethinylestradiol 30microgram / Desogestrel 150microgram tablets
|
Cimizt® 30microgram/150microgram tablets (Morningside Healthcare Ltd)
|
63 tablets | Sub-pack of 21 |
|
Sucroferric oxyhydroxide (iron 500mg) chewable tablets
|
Velphoro® 500mg chewable tablets (Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma UK Ltd)
|
90 tablets | Complete pack |
|
Magnesium sulfate powder
|
Care Epsom Salts (Thornton & Ross Ltd) | 300 grams | Complete pack |
|
Desogestrel 75microgram tablets
|
Cerelle® 75microgram tablets (Gedeon Richter (UK) Ltd) | 84 tablets | Sub-pack of 28 |
|
Ethinylestradiol 20microgram / Drospirenone 3mg tablets
|
Eloine® 0.02mg/3mg tablets (Bayer Plc)
|
84 tablets | Sub-pack of 28 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of August 2025:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Hydrocortisone 500microgram granules in capsules for opening | Alkindi® 0.5 mg granules in capsules for opening (Neurocrine UK Ltd) | 50 capsules | Complete pack |
| Hydrocortisone 1mg granules in capsules for opening | Alkindi® 1mg granules in capsules for opening (Neurocrine UK Ltd) | 50 capsules | Complete pack |
| Hydrocortisone 2mg granules in capsules for opening | Alkindi® 2mg granules in capsules for opening (Neurocrine UK Ltd) | 50 capsules | Complete pack |
| Hydrocortisone 5mg granules in capsules for opening | Alkindi® 5mg granules in capsules for opening (Neurocrine UK Ltd) | 50 capsules | Complete pack |
| Ipratropium bromide 250micrograms/1ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials |
Ipratropium 250micrograms/1ml nebuliser liquid Steri-Neb® unit dose vials (Teva UK Ltd)
|
20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
|
Ipratropium bromide 500micrograms/2ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials
|
Ipratropium 500micrograms/2ml nebuliser liquid Steri-Neb unit dose vials (Teva UK Ltd)
|
20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
|
Ipratropium bromide 250micrograms/1ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials
|
Ipratropium bromide 250micrograms/1ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials (Accord-UK Ltd) | 20 unit dose (2 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
|
Ipratropium bromide 500micrograms/1ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials
|
Ipratropium bromide 500micrograms/1ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials (Accord-UK Ltd) | 20 unit dose (2 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
|
Sodium chloride 0.9% nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit dose ampoules
|
Saline 0.9% nebuliser liquid 2.5ml Steri-Neb® unit dose ampoules (Teva UK Ltd) unit dose ampoules
|
20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
|
Sodium chloride 0.9% nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit dose ampoules
|
Sodium chloride 0.9% nebuliser liquid 2.5ml unit dose ampoules (Accord-UK Ltd)
|
20 unit dose | Sub-pack of 10 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of July 2025:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Betaxolol 0.25% eye drops 0.25ml unit dose preservative free | Betoptic® 0.25% eye drops suspension 0.25ml unit dose (Immedica Pharma AB) | 50 unit dose (10 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Salbutamol 2.5mg/2.5ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials | Cipla EU Ltd | 20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Salbutamol 5mg/2.5ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials | Cipla EU Ltd | 20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of June 2025:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Carmellose 1% eye drops 0.4ml unit dose preservative free | Celluvisc® 1% eye drops 0.4ml unit dose (AbbVie Ltd) | 30 unit dose (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Diclofenac 0.1% eye drops 0.3ml unit dose preservative free | Voltarol® Ophtha (Thea Pharmaceuticals) | 40 unit dose (8 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Netilmicin 3mg/ml / Dexamethasone 1mg/ml eye drops 0.3ml unit dose preservative free | Netildex® (Nordic Pharma Ltd) | 20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Terbutaline 5mg/2ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials | Bricanyl® Respules® (AstraZeneca UK Ltd) | 30 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of May 2025:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Budesonide 1mg/2ml nebuliser suspension unit dose ampoules | Zentiva Pharma UK Ltd | 20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Budesonide 500micrograms/2ml nebuliser suspension unit dose ampoules | Zentiva Pharma UK Ltd | 20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops 0.4ml unit dose preservative free | Dropodex® (Rayner Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | 20 unit dose (4 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops 0.4ml unit dose preservative free | Dexafree® (Thea Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | 3 x 10 unit doses | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Hydrocortisone sodium phosphate 3.35mg/ml eye drops 0.4ml unit dose preservative free 30 unit dose | Softacort® (Thea Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | 3 x 10 unit doses | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Naproxen 500mg / Esomeprazole 20mg modified-release tablets | Vimovo® (Grunenthal Ltd) | 60 | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of April 2025:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Cetraxal 2mg/ml ear drops 0.25ml unit dose | Aspire Pharma Ltd | 15 | Complete pack |
| Cetraxal Plus 3mg/ml + 0.25mg/ml ear drops 0.25ml unit dose | Aspire Pharma Ltd | 15 | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of June 2024:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Drospirenone 4mg tablets | Slynd (Exeltis UK Ltd) | 3 x 28 | Sub-pack of 28 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of April 2024:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Rybelsus 3mg tablets | Novo Nordisk Ltd | 30 | Complete pack |
| Rybelsus 7mg tablets | Novo Nordisk Ltd | 30 | Complete pack |
| Rybelsus 14mg tablets | Novo Nordisk Ltd | 30 | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of October 2023:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Cholera vaccine (inactivated, oral) effervescent powder and suspension for oral suspension | Dukoral cholera vaccine oral suspension (Valneva UK Ltd) | 2 dose 2 x (3ml vial + 5.6g sachet) | Sub-pack |
From 1 October 2023, all valproate containing products have been reclassified as special containers following changes to Human Medicines Regulations 2023 which mandates full pack dispensing of all licensed medicines containing sodium valproate, valproic acid and semisodium valproate. Click here for more information.
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Drug Tariff listed line | Special container information |
| Sodium valproate 100mg modified-release granules sachets sugar free | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 100mg tablets | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (previously special container at sub-pack level) |
| Sodium valproate 150mg modified-release capsules | All licensed products | All | No | Complete pack (unchanged status) |
| Sodium valproate 1g modified-release granules sachets sugar free | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 200mg gastro-resistant tablets | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (previously special container at sub-pack level) |
| Sodium valproate 200mg modified-release tablets | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (previously special container at sub-pack level) |
| Sodium valproate 200mg/5ml oral solution | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 200mg/5ml oral solution sugar free | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 250mg modified-release granules sachets sugar free | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 300mg modified-release capsules | All licensed products | All | No | Complete pack (unchanged status) |
| Sodium valproate 300mg modified-release tablets | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (previously special container at sub-pack level excluding Epival which had no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 300mg/3ml solution for injection ampoules | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 400mg/4ml solution for injection ampoules | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 400mg powder and solvent for solution for injection vials | All licensed products | All | No | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 500mg gastro-resistant tablets | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (previously special container at sub-pack level) |
| Sodium valproate 500mg modified-release granules sachets sugar free | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 500mg modified-release tablets | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (previously special container at sub-pack level excluding Epival which had no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 50mg modified-release granules sachets sugar free | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Sodium valproate 750mg modified-release granules sachets sugar free | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Valproic acid 150mg gastro-resistant capsules | All licensed products | All | No | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Valproic acid 250mg gastro-resistant tablets | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Valproic acid 300mg gastro-resistant capsules | All licensed products | All | No | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Valproic acid 500mg gastro-resistant capsules | All licensed products | All | No | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
| Valproic acid 500mg gastro-resistant tablets | All licensed products | All | Yes | Complete pack (no previous special container status) |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of April 2023:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Colesevelam 625mg tablets | Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Ltd | 180 | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of February 2023:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Co-beneldopa 12.5mg/50mg capsules | Teva UK Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Vitamins B and C high potency intramuscular solution for injection 5ml and 2ml ampoules | Pabrinex Intramuscular High Potency solution for injection 5ml and 2ml ampoules (Kyowa Kirin Ltd) | 20 ampoule 10 x (5ml amps + 2ml amps) | Sub-pack |
| Vitamins B and C high potency intravenous solution for injection 5ml and 5ml ampoules | Pabrinex Intravenous High Potency solution for injection 5ml and 5ml ampoules (Kyowa Kirin Ltd) | 12 ampoule 6 x (5ml amps + 5ml amps) | Sub-pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of December 2022:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Co-beneldopa 12.5mg/50mg capsules | Madopar® 50mg/12.5mg capsules (Roche Products Ltd) | 100 | Complete pack |
| Co-beneldopa 12.5mg/50mg dispersible tablets sugar free | Madopar® 50mg/12.5mg dispersible tablets (Roche Products Ltd) | 100 | Complete pack |
| Co-beneldopa 25mg/100mg capsules | Madopar® 100mg/25mg capsules (Roche Products Ltd) | 100 | Complete pack |
| Co-beneldopa 25mg/100mg dispersible tablets sugar free | Madopar® 100mg/25mg dispersible tablets (Roche Products Ltd) | 100 | Complete pack |
| Co-beneldopa 25mg/100mg modified-release capsules | Madopar® CR capsules (Roche Products Ltd) | 100 | Complete pack |
| Co-beneldopa 50mg/200mg capsules | Madopar® 200mg/50mg capsules (Roche Products Ltd) | 100 | Complete pack |
| Estradiol 10microgram pessaries | Advanz Pharma | 24 | Complete pack |
| Estradiol 10microgram pessaries | Vagirux 10microgram vaginal tablets (Gedeon Richter (UK) Ltd) | 24 | Complete pack |
| Generic Femodene ED tablets | Bayer Plc | 84 tablet 3 x (21 tablets + 7 tablets) | Sub-pack of 21 |
| Generic Foodlink Complete Compact Starter Pack sachets | Nualtra Ltd | 5 sachet 1 x (5 x 57g sachets) | Complete pack |
| Generic Fortisip Compact Starter Pack liquid | Nualtra Ltd | 750 ml 6 x 125ml bottles | Complete pack |
| Generic Logynon ED tablets | Bayer Plc | 84 tablet 3x(6tabs+5tabs+10tabs+7tabs) | Sub-pack of 28 |
| Generic Logynon tablets | Bayer Plc | 63 tablet 3 x(6 tabs + 5 tabs + 10 tabs) | Sub-pack of 21 |
| Generic Logynon tablets | TriRegol tablets (Consilient Health Ltd) | 63 tablet 3 x (6tabs + 5tabs + 10tabs) | Sub-pack of 21 |
| Generic Microgynon 30 ED tablets | Bayer Plc | 84 tablet 3 x (21 tablets + 7 tablets) | Sub-pack of 28 |
| Generic Synphase tablets | Pfizer Ltd | 21 tablet 1 x (7 tabs + 9 tabs + 5 tabs) | Complete pack |
| Generic Qlaira tablets | Bayer Plc | 84 tablet 3 x (2 + 2 + 2 + 17 + 5 tabs) | Sub-pack of 28 |
| Prasterone 6.5mg pessaries 28 pessary | Intrarosa 6.5mg pessaries (Theramex HQ UK Ltd) | 28 pessary 4 x 7 pessaries | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of November 2022:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Ciprofloxacin 0.3% ear drops (PF, STD) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 10ml | Complete pack |
| Clonazepam 2.5mg/ml drops (STD, SF, CF) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 10ml | Complete pack |
| Coal tar 10% ointment (All bases, STD) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 100g | Complete pack |
| Coal tar 5% ointment (All bases, STD) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 100g | Complete pack |
| Coal tar solution 5% in Betamethasone valerate 0.025% ointment (STD) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 100g | Complete pack |
| Coal tar solution 6% / Salicylic acid 2% in ointment (STD, All bases, PF) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 100g | Complete pack |
| Lidocaine 2% gel (STD, CF, AF, FF) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 15ml | Complete pack |
| Nifedipine 20mg/ml oral drops (STD, AF, FF, SF) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 30ml | Complete pack |
| Triamcinolone 0.1% oromucosal paste (STD, PF) | Drug Tariff Special Order | 5g | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of September 2022:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Cycloserine 250mg capsules | Neon Healthcare Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Efmody 5mg modified-release capsules | Diurnal Ltd | 50 | Complete pack |
| Efmody 10mg modified-release capsules | Diurnal Ltd | 50 | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of August 2022:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Magnesium glycerophosphate (magnesium 97.2mg (4mmol)) chewable tablets | Colonis Pharma Ltd | 50 | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of April 2022:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Bimatoprost 300micrograms/ml eye drops 0.4ml unit dose preservative free | Aspire Pharma Ltd | 30 (6 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Ciclosporin 0.1% eye drops 0.3ml unit dose | Ikervis (Santen UK Ltd) | 30 (6 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Ciclosporin 0.1% eye drops 0.3ml unit dose | Verkazia (Santen UK Ltd) | 120 (24 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Ciprofloxacin 2mg/ml ear drops 0.25ml unit dose preservative free | Cetraxal (Aspire Pharma Ltd) | 15 (3 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Ciprofloxacin 3mg/ml / Fluocinolone acetonide 0.25mg/ml ear drops 0.25ml unit dose preservative free | Cetraxal Plus (Aspire Pharma Ltd) | 15 (3 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Ketotifen 250micrograms/ml eye drops 0.4ml unit dose preservative free | Ketofall (Scope Ophthalmics Ltd) | 30 (6 x 5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
| Levofloxacin 5mg/ml eye drops 0.3ml unit dose preservative free | Oftaquix (Santen UK Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Sevelamer 800mg oral powder sachets sugar free | Renvela (Sanofi) | 90 sachet | Complete pack |
| Sodium cromoglicate 2% eye drops 0.3ml unit dose preservative free | Catacrom (Rayner Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of March 2022:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Levofloxacin 5mg/ml eye drops 0.5ml unit dose preservative free | Oxalux (Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd) | 20 (4×5) | Sub-pack of 5 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of October 2021:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Glibenclamide 600micrograms/ml oral suspension sugar free | Amglidia with 1ml oral syringe | 30ml | Complete pack |
| Glibenclamide 6mg/ml oral suspension sugar free | Amglidia with 1ml oral syringe | 30ml | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of June 2021:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Activated charcoal 200mg/ml oral suspension sugar free | Charcodote (Teva UK Ltd) | 250ml | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of April 2021:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Activated charcoal 81.3% granules sugar free | Carbomix (Kent Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | 50g | Complete pack |
| Gel-X capsules Gel-X | Oakmed Ltd | 140 | Complete pack |
| Gel-X tablets Gel-XT | Oakmed Ltd | 140 | Complete pack |
| Gellymate absorption capsules GM | Peak Medical Ltd | 140 | Complete pack |
| Gellymate absorption tablets GD | Peak Medical Ltd | 140 | Complete pack |
| GeloRevoice lozenges | G.R. Lane Health Products Ltd | 20 | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of March 2021:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Ivabradine 5mg tablets | Accord Healthcare Ltd | 56 (4 x 14) | Sub-pack of 14 |
| Ivabradine 7.5mg tablets | Accord Healthcare Ltd | 56 (4 x 14) | Sub-pack of 14 |
| Trifluridine 15mg / Tipiracil 6.14mg tablets | Lonsurf (Servier Laboratories Ltd) | 20 (2 x 10) 60 (6 x 10) |
Sub-pack of 10 |
| Lonsurf (Servier Laboratories Ltd) | Lonsurf (Servier Laboratories Ltd) | 20 (2 x 10) 60 (6 x 10) |
Sub-pack of 10 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of February 2021:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Acetylcysteine 600mg effervescent tablets sugar free tablet | Aceteff (Dunelm Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | 30 (2 x 15) | Sub-pack of 15 |
| Isavuconazole 100mg capsules | Cresemba (Pfizer Ltd) | 14 (2 x 7) | Sub pack of 7 |
| Generic Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets original | Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets original (Bayer Plc) | 10 (5 x 2) 20 (10 x 2) |
Sub-pack of 2 |
| Generic Alka-Seltzer XS effervescent tablets | Alka-Seltzer XS effervescent tablets (Bayer Plc) | 20 (10 x 2) | Sub-pack of 2 |
| Generic Original Andrews Salts effervescent powder | Boots Effervescent Health Salts (The Boots Company Plc) | 227g | Complete pack |
| Generic Original Andrews Salts effervescent powder | Original Andrews Salts effervescent powder (GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare) | 150g 250g |
Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of January 2021:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Cabozantinib 20mg tablets | Cabometyx (Ipsen Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Cabozantinib 40mg tablets | Cabometyx (Ipsen Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Cabozantinib 60mg tablets | Cabometyx (Ipsen Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Emtricitabine 200mg / Tenofovir 245mg tablets | Mylan | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Lopinavir 400mg/5ml / Ritonavir 100mg/5ml oral solution | Kaletra (AbbVie Ltd) | 120ml (2 x 60ml) 300 ml (5 x 60ml) |
Sub-pack of 60ml |
| Pramipexole 0.26mg modified-release tablets | Oprymea (Consilient Health Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Pramipexole 0.52mg modified-release tablets | Oprymea (Consilient Health Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Pramipexole 1.05mg modified-release tablets | Oprymea (Consilient Health Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Pramipexole 1.57mg modified-release tablets | Oprymea (Consilient Health Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Pramipexole 2.1mg modified-release tablets | Oprymea (Consilient Health Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Pramipexole 2.62mg modified-release tablets | Oprymea (Consilient Health Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Pramipexole 3.15mg modified-release tablets | Oprymea (Consilient Health Ltd) | 30 (3 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Pheburane 483mg/g granules | Eurocept International bv | 174 gram | Complete pack |
| Regorafenib 40mg tablets | Stivarga (Bayer Plc) | 84 (3 x 28) | Sub-pack of 28 |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of December 2020:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Aconitum napellus 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Apis mellifica 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Arnica montana 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Arnica montana 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Arnica montana 6c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Arsenicum album 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Belladonna 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Cantharis vesicatoria 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Chamomilla 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Drosera rotundifolia 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Gelsemium sempervirens 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Hypericum perforatum 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Ignatia amara 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Ipecacuanha 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Kalium bichromicum 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Lachesis muta 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Ledum palustre 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Lycopodium clavatum 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Mercurius vivus 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Natrum muriaticum 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Nux vomica 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Nux vomica 6c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Nux vomica 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Oopherinum 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Oopherinum 6c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Phosphorus 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Pulsatilla pratensis 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Pulsatilla pratensis 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Rhus toxicodendron 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Rhus toxicodendron 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Ruta graveolens 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Sepia officinalis 30c homeopathic pillules | Helios Homoeopathy Ltd | 100 | Complete pack |
| Sepia officinalis 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
| Sulfur 30c homeopathic pillules Clikpak | Nelsons | 84 | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of October 2020:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| BioGaia ProTectis oral drops | BioGaia | 5ml | Complete pack |
| Dolutegravir 50mg / Rilpivirine 25mg tablets | Juluca (ViiV Healthcare UK Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Emulfin ointment | Ennogen Healthcare Ltd | 100g | Complete pack |
| Hydrex 4% Surgical Scrub | Ecolab Healthcare Division | 250ml 500ml |
Complete pack |
| Nicotine 2mg lozenges sugar free | Nicorette Cools (McNeil Products Ltd) | 20 80 (4×20) |
20 (Complete pack) 80 (Sub-pack of 20) |
| Nicotine 4mg lozenges sugar free | NiQuitin Minis Mint (Omega Pharma Ltd) | 60 (3×20) | Sub-pack of 20 |
| Nicotine 4mg lozenges sugar free | Nicorette Cools (McNeil Products Ltd) | 80 (4×20) | Sub-pack of 20 |
| Dolutegravir 10mg tablets | Tivicay (ViiV Healthcare UK Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Triumeq 50mg/600mg/300mg tablets | ViiV Healthcare UK Ltd | 30 | Complete pack |
| Videne 7.5% surgical scrub solution | Ecolab Healthcare Division | 500ml | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of September 2020:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Asenapine 5mg sublingual tablets sugar free | Sycrest | 60 (6 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Asenapine 10mg sublingual tablets sugar free | Sycrest | 60 (6 x 10) | Sub-pack of 10 |
| Cetaphil Restoraderm skin restoring moisturiser | Galderma (UK) Ltd | 295ml | Complete pack |
| Chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution | HiBiScrub | 250ml 500ml 5000ml |
Complete pack |
| Epimax original cream | Aspire Pharma Ltd | 500g | Complete pack |
| Exorex hair and body shampoo | Teva UK Ltd | 250ml | Complete pack |
| Octenisan Antimicrobial wash | Schulke & Mayr UK Ltd | 150ml 500ml |
Complete pack |
| Stellisept med 1% skin cleanser | BODE Chemie GmbH | 100ml 500ml |
Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of August 2020:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser | Galderma (UK) Ltd | 236ml 473ml |
Complete pack |
| Cetaphil moisturising lotion | Galderma (UK) Ltd | 236ml 473ml |
Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of July 2020:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Alendronic acid 70mg / Colecalciferol 140microgram tablets | Bentexo | 4 | Complete pack |
| Aqueous cream | Pinewood Healthcare Thornton & Ross Ltd |
100g | Complete pack |
| Hydroxycarbamide 500mg/5ml oral solution sugar free | Xromi | 150ml | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of June 2020:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Clomethiazole 157.5mg/5ml oral solution sugar free |
Heminevrin (Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH) All available generics |
300ml | Complete pack |
| Desmopressin 100 microgram tablets |
DDAVP 0.1mg tablets (Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd) All available generics |
90 | Complete pack |
| Desmopressin 200 microgram tablets |
DDAVP 0.2mg tablets (Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd) All available generics |
30 90 |
Complete pack |
| Doravirine 100mg tablets | Pifeltro (Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Emtricitabine 200mg / Tenofovir alafenamide 10mg tablets | Descovy (Gilead Sciences International Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Emtricitabine 200mg / Tenofovir alafenamide 25mg tablets | Descovy (Gilead Sciences International Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Lamivudine 300mg / Tenofovir disoproxil 245mg / Doravirine 100mg tablets | Delstrigo (Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd) | 30 | Complete pack |
| Levofloxacin 100mg/ml nebuliser liquid ampoules | Quinsair (Chiesi Ltd) | 56 | Complete pack |
| Sodium valproate 100mg tablets | Epilim 100mg crushable tablets (Sanofi) |
100 (10 x 10) 30 (3 x 10) |
Sub-pack of 10 |
| Sodium valproate 200mg gastro-resistant tablets |
Epilim 200 gastro-resistant tablets (Sanofi) All available generics |
100 (10 x 10) 30 (3 x 10) |
Sub-pack of 10 |
| Sodium valproate 200mg modified-release tablets | Epilim Chrono 200 tablets (Sanofi) |
100 (10 x 10) 30 (3 x 10) |
Sub-pack of 10 |
| Sodium valproate 300mg modified-release tablets | Epilim Chrono 300 tablets (Sanofi) |
100 (10 x 10) 30 (3 x 10) |
Sub-pack of 10 |
| Sodium valproate 500mg gastro-resistant tablets |
Epilim 500mg gastro-resistant tablets (Sanofi) All available generics |
100 (10 x 10) 30 (3 x 10) |
Sub-pack of 10 |
| Sodium valproate 500mg modified-release tablets | Epilim Chrono 500 (Sanofi) |
100 (10 x 10) 30 (3 x 10) |
Sub-pack of 10 |
| Urea 10% lotion | Eucerin Intensive 10% lotion (Beiersdorf UK Ltd) | 250ml | Complete pack |
The following products were re-classified as special containers as of May 2020:
| Generic drug name (dm+d descriptor) | Brand and/or Manufacturer | Pack size | Special container |
| Ascorbic acid powder | J M Loveridge Ltd | 100g | Complete pack |
| Aspirin powder | J M Loveridge Ltd | 250g | Complete pack |
| Boric acid powder | J M Loveridge Ltd | 500g | Complete pack |
| Sodium bicarbonate powder | J M Loveridge Ltd | 300g | Complete pack |
| Tartaric acid powder | J M Loveridge Ltd | 500g | Complete pack |
| Zinc oxide powder | J M Loveridge Ltd | 500g | Complete pack |
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 listed below 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.
Background
Changes to the special container status of products are in accordance with the special container criteria outlined in Part II Clause 10B of the Drug Tariff and the Original Pack Dispensing (OPD) exceptions outlined in the Human Medicines Regulations (HMR).
The three HMR exceptions include:
- 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.
Special container status is granted if a product meets one or more of the three HMR OPD exceptions listed above (i.e. the OPD +/-10% rules do not apply to special containers). For special containers, pharmacy owners can supply and will be reimbursed for the nearest pack size (complete pack or sub pack) or combination of containers nearest to the quantity ordered).
For more information on special containers see our page Special containers and products requiring reconstitution.
For more information on the HMR OPD exceptions see our page Original Pack Dispensing.
For more information on this topic please email comms.team@cpe.org.uk
