Why Prescribe Category C 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
References
Date of preparation August 2020 UK/QDEM-15011(5)j(2)