Why Prescribe Category C Medicines by Brand?

Category C of the drug tariff contains medicines which are not readily available as other generic medicines, as they are typically modified release formulations.

When writing generic prescriptions, Category C medicines are reimbursed at the price of the originator brand.

Qdem’s Category C products are priced substantially lower than the originator brand, therefore for the NHS to realise the saving offered the prescription needs to be written by brand.¹

An example of how prescribing Longtec^® 10mg tablets by brand can deliver drug cost savings to the NHS.

Another Reason to Prescribe by Brand?
Guidance produced from the Care Quality Commission co-developed with NHS England, titled ‘Safer Use of Controlled Drugs – Preventing Harm from Oral Oxycodone Medicines’ recommends that where possible prescribe by brand to reduce confusion’.³