What about unlicenced medicines?

Some patients may be interested in medicines that are not licenced in the UK that are prescribed on a named patient basis. Information on these medicines is readily available from the manufacturers and could be included.

Why the contribution is important

Patients need to have choice of treatment and may feel better on one particular type of medication not manufactured in the UK.  Patients also need to be aware of the ingredients of these medicines, both active and inactive especially if the patient has intolerances, for instance, to lactose.

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Average score : 5.0 Based on : 5 votes

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janebull
Posted by janebull March 02, 2010 at 12:00PM
Some patients require medications (particularly for hypothyroidism) which are available on prescription in the USA and mainland Europe but are not licenced here. Both patients and their doctors would benefit from accurate information about such medications with a view to licencing them and thus making them available to those who need them in the UK.
clundie
Posted by clundie March 02, 2010 at 12:03PM
We need more information about ALL options available to us, including "unlicenced" meds that may be more effective for some patients.
GPs should have a reliable source of information about these medicines to help them find the best treatment for their/with patients.
Vanda
Posted by Vanda March 02, 2010 at 02:33PM
I have very little knowledge about "unlicenced" or any other medicines except what my GP prescribes. I agree with Clundie that ALL options should be discussed and any other resources available to patients should be signposted.
Eveline
Posted by Eveline March 03, 2010 at 01:18PM
Accessibility of all SPC and patient informations would be very helpful. As provider of an drug interaction program we are very keen on having access to medications world wide in order to not only help doctors/pharmacists in one country.
Emme
Posted by Emme March 05, 2010 at 05:59PM
This would be absolutely brilliant! It would save a significant amount of time and be a really valuble resource.
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