coproxamol

[Fleegle]

Note to all members: Admin found it necessary to remove a link from the original post in this thread on Jan 14th. Tread carefully.

[bobbin]

The only other question I would have 'sir dispensalot' is "Do any pharmacists still stock coproxamol if my doctor gave me a script?

Yes, we stock it because it's still commonly prescribed locally. Most pharmacies probably don't stock it. Co-proxamol has not been 'banned' - it is still perfectly legal for any GP to prescribe it. Any registered pharmacy in the UK can order co-proxamol very easily via a company called Clinigen, although some pharmacists may not be aware of this.

Many doctors will be unwilling to prescribe co-proxamol for a multitude of reasons:

1. It is extremely toxic in overdose
2. It is now an *unlicensed* medicine meaning that any side effects or other problems which occur would be the doctor's sole and personal responsibility.
3. It is now remarkably overpriced.
4. Most patients, although not all, can find suitable alternatives.
5. Most PCTs will have instructed GPs not to prescribe co-proxamol.

Bobbin

[PinkGlitter]

Was just wondering if there is anything extra we are supposed to do when dispensing co-proxamol? Are we supposed to keep records of it as it's unlicensed? I know one pharmacy I worked in would put the label in an extemp book and a photocopy of the prescription but this seems a bit excessive.

[bobbin]

Was just wondering if there is anything extra we are supposed to do when dispensing co-proxamol? Are we supposed to keep records of it as it's unlicensed? I know one pharmacy I worked in would put the label in an extemp book and a photocopy of the prescription but this seems a bit excessive.

We don't do anything like that. Clinigen now charge a delivery fee of £8.50 *per box* however........so it's vital to claim out of pocket expenses. An order of 10 boxes has a delivery charge of £85.00 etc.

[Chirpy]

Wonder how many GP's are prescribing though? I had a call from Clinigen last week asking if I wanted to order any co-proxamol stock!!! Makes a change from all those manufacturers who cannot supply.

[bobbin]

Hi

It's still commonly prescribed at a few surgeries but not most. Although it's allegedly supplied on a 'named-patient basis', Clinigen do not ask for any patient details - we order it in bulk about once a month.

Supplying co-prox is like a right to print money for Clinigen - they charge £8.50 *per box* as delivery fee................no wonder they're ringing up asking you if you want to order any more.

Bobbin

[PinkGlitter]

I had a phone call too this week. They said they were calling us as the generic has gone out of stock so they are getting increased demand from companies who previously didn't use them so they wanted to give us first dibs. Seems unlikely?!!

[bobbin]

Strange. I'm sure you would call *them* if you needed any. I suppose they may be concerned that some pharmacists do not know how to order co-proxamol.

The only generic co-proxamol available at the moment is 'old stock' left over from when co-proxamol was still licensed. Some wholesalers may have a few packs of the generic left in stock. The only company which currently produces co-proxamol for the UK market is Meda, who make the Distalgesic brand and supply via Clinigen.

Bobbin

[PinkGlitter]

When I was on holiday a locum used AAH to order it as i came back and had lots of generic on the shelves so I know they had plenty then although maybe now it's starting to run out?

[Pharmanaut]

Telesales : Yes we are down to our last few boxes, but we can send you a dozen to keep you supplied.

Looks through window on warehouse packed floor to ceiling.