Apremilast - New prescribing and supply arrangements
Apremilast tablets are licensed for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The NHSGGC Adult Formulary entry for apremilast has changed from specialist use only to specialist initiation. From February 2021, the maintenance dose of apremilast (one 30mg tablet twice daily) will be prescribed by the patient’s GP (one pack of 56 tablets per prescription). Specialist dermatology and rheumatology services will continue to prescribe the initial titration pack for new patients, and as before this will be dispensed in community pharmacies. The funding for this medication will be transferred from Acute Services to Primary Care.
There are no specific monitoring requirements for Primary Care and the assessment of clinical response will continue to be carried out by the relevant Acute specialty. An information sheet with clinic contact details will be provided to Primary Care along with the request to prescribe letter. GPs should refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for apremilast for information on side effects to be aware of in the event that a patient may present to Primary Care in between clinic visits.
The benefits of Primary Care prescribing apremilast include improved safety and efficiency by removing different sources of prescriptions, reduced footfall at acute sites and potential reduction in wastage.
Published: 26/02/21 Medicines Update blogs are correct at the time of publication