Notice of changes to special container status of products
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.
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) 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 PSNC’s Dispensing and Supply Team (0203 1220 810 or info@psnc.org.uk) who will investigate and assess if it meets the relevant criteria. Where appropriate, PSNC 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
