Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community

“Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community starts with you” - Cencora's 2024 Pride theme has been embraced and celebrated by our teams throughout June with colourful Pride parties across our network.

Marie Evans, Managing Director, Alliance Healthcare UK says: “Pride Month 2024 provides us with an opportunity to raise awareness of the inclusion of minority groups across the business, such as the LGBTQIA+ community. I am inspired every day on the progress our teams are making to support team members to be their true authentic self in the workplace.”

Class 4 caution in use-Grepid 75mg tablets

PHARMATHEN S.A. has informed the MHRA that the outer carton (box) of some batches of Grepid 75mg film coated tablets is missing the medicines legal classification for a Prescription Only Medicine ‘POM.’ This notification contains additional batches impacted by this issue.

MHRA Drug alert date: 24th June 2024

MHRA drug alert link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-4-medicines-defect-information-pharmathen-s-dot-a-grepid-75-mg-film-coated-tablets-kent-pharma-livery-el-24-a-slash-24?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=f15adf5b-de21-4835-8382-afc63f6af7a2&utm_content=immediately

This is a caution in use only we are not accepting stock returns

Further Information

For more information, medical or supply enquiries, please contact telephone: +30 210 6604300 or via email: pharmacovigilance@pharmathen.com & info@pharmathen.com

Class 3 recall-GoResp Digihaler

Teva UK Limited has informed the MHRA that it plans to withdraw from further sale all batches of GoResp Digihaler (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) and the linked Digihaler App for commercial reasons.

MHRA Drug alert link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-3-medicines-recall-teva-uk-limited-goresp-digihaler-el-24-a-slash-23?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=9edb0dde-bbc2-4ee4-8039-9d803a602c9c&utm_content=immediately

Further Information

For medical information, please contact medinfo@tevauk.com (Tel. 02075 407117) and stock control enquiries please contact customer.services@tevauk.com (Tel. 0800 590502).

Please return all affected stock to your original supplier for credit. Unfortunately we can only accept stock purchased from us (Alliance Healthcare Distribution Limited). Any other stock will be returned to your stores/Pharmacies.

Class 4 Caution in use- Oxcarbazepine Mylan 150 mg, 300mg, 600mg Film-Coated Tablets

Viatris UK Healthcare Limited has informed the MHRA that the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) packaged in the specified batches of Oxcarbazepine 150 mg, 300 mg & 600 mg Film-Coated Tablets do not contain the most up to date safety information.

MHRA Drug alert date: 17th June 2024

MHRA drug alert link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-4-medicines-defect-information-viatris-uk-healthcare-ltd-oxcarbazepine-mylan-150-mg-300mg-600mg-film-coated-tablets-el-24-a-slash-22

This is a caution in use only we are not accepting stock returns

Further Information

For medical information and stock control queries please contact:

Viatris UK Healthcare Limited Medical Information at +44 (0)1707 853 000 (select option 1) or info.uk@viatris.com. Customer Services can be reached at +44 (0)1707 853 000 (select option 2).

AstraZeneca products available to order from Alliance Healthcare from 1 July 2024

Alliance Healthcare is pleased to announce a new reduced wholesale agreement with AstraZeneca, effective from 1 July 2024.

Nisha Vibhakar, Head of Supply Chain, AstraZeneca UK said: "This new model has allowed us to review all our current processes and strengthen controls. I look forward to working with our new partners.”

Marie Evans, Managing Director, Alliance Healthcare UK adds: “Our agreement with AstraZeneca gives all UK pharmacies fast and reliable access to this range of products, through Alliance Healthcare’s unique, twice daily delivery service." 

UK Healthcare Professionals can find out more details at AstraZeneca’s UK Supply Chain Website: https://www.supplychain-astrazeneca.co.uk/

Our Account Managers are ready to answer any questions about ordering.

Field Safety notice-Tegaderm - Transparent Film Dressing Frame Style

We have received a recall notice from 3M regarding two batches of Tegaderm Transparent film dressings

Date of recall: 31/05/24

Please return all affected stock to your original supplier for credit. Unfortunately we can only accept stock purchased from us (Alliance Healthcare Distribution Limited). Any other stock will be returned to your stores/Pharmacies.

Please note that anything not returned to us, or notified to us, within 3 months of this notification, cannot be reimbursed by way of a credit.

Class 4 caution in use-Paracetamol 500mg, 1000mg Film-Coated Tablets Drugs R Us

Dawa Limited has informed the MHRA that specified batches listed in this notification have been packed with an outdated Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

MHRA Drug alert date: 10th June 2024

MHRA drug alert link  https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-4-medicines-defect-information-dawa-limited-paracetamol-500mg-1000mg-film-coated-tablets-el-24-a-slash-21

This is a caution in use only we are not accepting stock returns

Further Information

For more information, medical information and stock control queries please contact Drugsrus Limited (distributor) on 020 8423 3800 or email info@drugsrus.co.uk.

Leanne Carey, of Barnton Pharmacy in Edinburgh, discusses her thoughts on Pharmacy First in a piece for P3 Magazine

Adapting to a new paradigm: Learnings from Pharmacy First Scotland

Contractors in England are experiencing their first year of delivering Pharmacy First, but a similar service has been running in Scotland since 2020. Scottish pharmacist Leanne Carey describes the experience as wholly positive.

The Pharmacy First scheme was launched in England this year to give patients quick and accessible care and to ease pressure on GP services for a number of conditions that pharmacists encounter and identify on a daily basis.

For my pharmacy in Scotland, Pharmacy First was introduced in July 2020, allowing pharmacists to prescribe OTC items from a specific formulary. This was extended by adding Patient Group Directions (UTI in women, impetigo, shingles, cellulitis and infected bites and allergies,) and then Pharmacy First Plus, using independent prescriber (IP) skills for common conditions in January 2021.

Although the Pharmacy First schemes in England and Scotland differ slightly, there are a number of lessons we have learned which will be applicable to pharmacies across England.

Rolling out Pharmacy First effectively

Firstly, the great benefit of the Pharmacy First scheme is that it elevates the role of pharmacists and staff, allowing us to have more influence in treating patients.

Under the scheme, patients can visit their local pharmacy without needing to book an appointment with their GP for certain minor ailments.

In England, full payment is received by referral from the GP. Pharmacists, equipped with their expertise and knowledge, can offer advice, treatment, and refer patients to other healthcare providers. The scheme also leads to greater job satisfaction; it is much more rewarding to be able to treat a patient than having to refer them to a GP.

Trust and confidence

After the roll-out of Pharmacy First in my pharmacy, we found that the scheme enhanced the patient and customer relationship.

By offering healthcare services beyond dispensing, our staff had the opportunity to build stronger relationships with patients. This has created trust and confidence in our staff’s expertise, which has led to higher patient satisfaction and loyalty.

Our prescription items and retail sales have increased by around 8 per cent each year since the service was established, despite giving more advice than prescriptions.

Patients choose to come to us first for advice, again and again.

We are part of the Alphega Pharmacy group, which was helpful for us in launching the service and getting the most out of it, including providing consultation forms that help staff get the information they need from patients to offer advice or make a referral.

Addressing capacity concerns

Pharmacies across England already have incredibly skilled and capable staff. However, it is understandable that some pharmacies have concerns about capacity.

Pharmacy staff are trained to triage patients, support with advice and OTC medication, and refer to pharmacists or technicians. We also involve pharmacy students training in branch, so they are able to support with checking patient symptoms. This training frees up the time of pharmacists and prescribers and is an excellent learning opportunity for all colleagues.

I have two post-foundation pharmacists at the moment (one full time and one part time) who stayed on after their foundation year training to be supported with the IP course and develop clinical skills to assess patients under supervision, gaining confidence in the process. This has meant I have continued to have capacity to assess patients and prescribe, support other IPs through the Teach and Treat hub I run as well as managing the business.

Making access to care more equitable for all

The Pharmacy First scheme is a significant step forward in transforming the role of community pharmacists and improving healthcare accessibility for patients across England, with more than 95 per cent of pharmacies already signed up. By capitalising on pharmacists’ expertise, the scheme not only benefits patients but allows pharmacists to have a greater role in patient care within their communities.

The Pharmacy First scheme empowers pharmacists to play a more integral role in delivering primary healthcare services. As this initiative continues to evolve, it will no doubt drive positive outcomes for both patients and pharmacists alike, creating healthier outcomes for all.

Leanne Carey is an independent prescribing community pharmacist who has owned and run Alphega member Barnton Pharmacy in Edinburgh for more than 14 years.

Published online at: Adapting to a new paradigm: Learnings from Pharmacy First Scotland (p3pharmacy.co.uk)

Class 3 recall-Atomoxetine 10mg, 18mg, 25mg, 40mg Capsules

Neuraxpharm UK Ltd is recalling specific batches after retesting showed out of specification results. The tabled batches are being recalled as a precautionary measure after testing showed variability of the capsule contents beyond permitted levels.

MHRA drug alert link https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-3-medicines-recall-neuraxpharm-uk-ltd-atomoxetine-10mg-18mg-25mg-40mg-capsules-el-24-a-slash-19

Further Information

For medical information enquiries please contact medinfo-uk@neuraxpharm.com or telephone +44 (0) 118 211 4039

For stock control enquiries please contact info-uk@neuraxpharm.com  or telephone +44 (0) 118 211 4039

Please return all affected stock to your original supplier for credit. Unfortunately we can only accept stock purchased from us (Alliance Healthcare Distribution Limited). Any other stock will be returned to your stores/Pharmacies.

Class 2 recall-Lamotrigine Desitin oral suspension

Desitin Pharma UK Ltd is recalling all batches of Lamotrigine Desitin 10mg/ml Oral Suspension as a precautionary measure due to an out of specification observation in the appearance of samples during routine stability testing. Please note this is a Class 2 Patient, Pharmacy and Wholesaler level recall.

MHRA drug alert link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-2-medicines-recall-desitin-pharma-uk-ltd-lamotrigine-desitin-10mg-slash-ml-oral-suspension-el-24-a-slash-20?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=9f3210f7-f22d-4437-be34-72c69edae87e&utm_content=immediately

Further Information

For medical information enquiries please contact medinfo@desitin.co.uk. For stock control enquiries please contact alison.wilton@desitin.co.uk.

Please return all affected stock to your original supplier for credit. Unfortunately we can only accept stock purchased from us (Alliance Healthcare Distribution Limited). Any other stock will be returned to your stores/Pharmacies.

Please note that anything not returned to us, or notified to us, within 3 months of this notification, cannot be reimbursed by way of a credit.