Should Dovonex be available without prescription

[Fred]

The UK government want to know if you think Dovonex should be made available without prescription.  

Quote:

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We want to know what you think

Dovonex Psoriasis 50 microgram/g Ointment is used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis which has been previously diagnosed by a doctor in adults aged 18 years and over.
   
Calcipotriol is only at the moment available on prescription (known as Dovonex Ointment).
   
We propose to make it available in pharmacies without prescription.
   
The Commission on Human Medicines has advised that this product can be available as a pharmacy medicine.
   
We want to know what you think about this change.

Please tell us your views using the attached document.

This consultation closes at 5pm on 20 April 2017

Source: gov.uk

*You can find the document easy via a search on their website.

[jiml]

I can see why they would rather not prescribe it, as they are trying to stop a whole raft of things that are currently available on prescription, as it's costing the health service here dearly ...I suppose it's no more dangerous than buying Paractemol ( which is dangerous) ....I do think that it should be a behind the counter drug that has to be asked for, so the pharmacist can advise on dosing and things to avoid

I wonder what the cost would be if they did stop prescribing? And if that would adversely affect poorer people who couldn't afford an extra cost

[Fred]

I can see why they would rather not prescribe it, as they are trying to stop a whole raft of things that are currently available on prescription, as it's costing the health service here dearly ...I suppose it's no more dangerous than buying Paractemol ( which is dangerous) ....I do think that it should be a behind the counter drug that has to be asked for,  so the pharmacist can advise on dosing and things to avoid

I wonder what the cost would be if they did stop prescribing? And if that would adversely affect poorer people who couldn't afford an extra cost

I don't know about the UK but here in France it would cost €36 for a 120g tube to buy without prescription.

The problem I see is like you said will they get good advise on it's use, or will the pharmacie just say thank you for your cash.

Also is it going to stop people getting a proper diagnoses.

[Kat]

That one is difficult. Having medicines available that you understand how to use properly and not having to visit or call your doctor for a prescription makes sense. It's the "understanding how to use properly" that becomes the problem.

[mataribot]

Topological steroids are dangerous when applied to large areas of the body or for extended periods of time. It's als going to cause problems with miss application of the drug. Not a wise decision.

[Fred]

That one is difficult.  Having medicines available that you understand how to use properly and not having to visit or call your doctor for a prescription makes sense.  It's the "understanding how to use properly" that becomes the problem.

Yes I would rather people get advise from a doctor trained in treating psoriasis than a pharmacie or GP. They do have a role to play but a pharmacie is in it for the money and a GP may not fully understand the problems a person with psoriasis is going through.  

Topological steroids are dangerous when applied to large areas of the body or for extended periods of time. It's als going to cause problems with miss application of the drug. Not a wise decision.

Mata, It's Dovonex not Dovobet.

Dovobet And Dovonex (What's the difference ?)

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I feel that this decision by the UK government (should they go with it) is letting people with psoriasis down. Psoriasis patients need a good diagnoses and treatment but this is just going to encourage self treatment. It's a bad move in my opinion but I live in France so it would be unfair for me to give them my views on their website.

It's up to the people in the UK to have a say, they have asked for your input. So I say use it and have your say.

But if it helps think of this.

#1 Leo Pharma would love it to be without prescription (over the counter) they would sell more.

#2 The UK NHS would save on prescriptions and would be very happy for you the person with psoriasis paying instead of them.

#3 The pharmacie would be very happy you buying and would continue throwing it at you, they are in it for the money and nothing else.

I'll jump off my soap box now, but I feel this could lead to people not getting the treatment they deserve and have paid for.

[Bill]

No. A reckless decision. This drug does enough harm through misuse as it is.

<Before taking this medicine

You should not use Dovonex if you are allergic to calcipotriene, or if you have:

high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or

high levels of vitamin D in your body (usually caused by taking too much vitamin D supplements).

To make sure Dovonex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for your psoriasis.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.>

[jiml]

No. A reckless decision. This drug does enough harm through misuse as it is.

<Before taking this medicine

You should not use Dovonex if you are allergic to calcipotriene, or if you have:

   high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or

   high levels of vitamin D in your body (usually caused by taking too much vitamin D supplements).

To make sure Dovonex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for your psoriasis.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.>

Got to agree with that Bill looking at those instructions ...there's no way it should be dished out over the counter ...

Although GP's here have prescribed it for years on end without reviewing the prescription  

[Fred]

You can find the prescribing info here: Dovobet And Dovonex (What's the difference ?)

[mataribot]

My bad on this one. We don't use the names here anymore- just what the drug is used. I'm still against it. People who cannot afford it, now are going to have fewer choices.