North East and North Cumbria
ICS Formulary
 
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13 Skin

Specials Recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists for Skin Disease

Most prescribing uses licensed medicines whose safety and efficacy are assured. For many common dermatological diseases including psoriasis and eczema, the range of licensed medicines is limited. As a result, Dermatology prescribing may rely significantly on unlicensed creams and ointments (known as ‘Specials’) containing tars, dithranol, salicylic acid, steroids and other active constituents in a range of concentrations and bases. This is of particular concern in primary care where lack of effective price controls and a mechanism to ensure independent scrutiny of product quality has increased costs and concern about standards. To address these concerns, and help optimise quality of care, adherence to the revised British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) list of preferred Specials (2018) is encouraged.

13-05-01 Preparations for eczema

Alitretinoin Toctino®
Formulary
  • Approved for adults with severe chronic hand eczema that have not responded to potent topical corticosteroids in line with NICE.
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (July 2021): Oral retinoid medicines (isotretinoin▼, alitretinoin▼, and acitretin▼): temporary monitoring advice during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (Jun 2019): Oral retinoid medicines▼: revised and simplified pregnancy prevention educational materials for healthcare professionals and women
Link  NICE TA177: Alitretinoin for the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema

Red View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF  HCD
Ichthammol
Formulary

Green View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF
Zinc oxide bandage  Viscopaste®
Formulary

Green View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF