penny lecture 4

Question 1

Give reasons for the increase in drug bill?

Answer 1

ageing population, more treatments available, more preventative meds, rise in obesity and alcohol, new and expensive treatments being produced

Question 2

What does the PPRS do?

Answer 2

pharmaceutical price regulation scheme: it indirectly controls prices of branded products that are dispensed under the NHS
the manufacturers decide on the NHS list price according to market principles

Question 3

The PPRS is an agreement between who and who?

Answer 3

the DoH and the ABPI

Question 4

What are the objectives of the PPRS?

Answer 4

• to promote a strong and profitable pharmaceutical industry

- safe and effective meds within affordable limits

Question 5

What is the effect of the PPRS?

Answer 5

to control profits made from the NHS and allows companies to compete freely

Question 6

What is NOT included in PPRS?

Answer 6

generics, OTC and products on a private Rx

Question 7

How does the NHS control costs of generic meds?

Answer 7

through the drug tariff

Question 8

What are the different controls on prescribers?

Answer 8

blacklist, appliances, ACBS, DPF

Question 9

Why are budgets for hospital and primary care together and not split?

Answer 9

to prevent Rxers ‘off loading’ to others

Question 10

What are the advantages of changing from POM –> P?

Answer 10

• increased access to meds
• allows pharmacists to recommended a greater range of options
• no cost to the NHS

Question 11

How does a prepayment certificate work?

Answer 11

12 months paid for in advance for £104 which will save the patient over £105 if they need 2 items every month

Question 12

what is the future for Rx prices?

Answer 12

want to change to £2.50 per item but then we abolish medical exemptions and the low income scheme but can still use prepayments

Question 13

how can we reduce the drugs bill?

Answer 13

MURs, NMS
POM –> P switches
improving public health