High Court judgement on Lyrica – update

Pharmacy teams may be aware of the recent High Court judgement regarding Pfizer’s patent claim for Lyrica. The judgment, which may be subject to appeal, has not affected the situation for pharmacists and GPs – NHS England requires pharmacists to refer generic prescriptions back to the prescriber, if they are aware it is for neuropathic pain, and it requires prescribers to prescribe the brand for neuropathic pain.

Pharmacists can dispense prescriptions written for pregabalin, unless they have reason to believe that the prescription is for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Read the NHS England guidance in full.

At present, the generic pregabalin is listed in Part VIIIA of the tariff as a Category C line with reimbursement currently based on the brand Lyrica. The prices in the Drug Tariff are set each month by the Department of Health, and PSNC will be consulted before any change.

PSNC will stress the importance of providing timely, clear and unequivocal guidance to pharmacists and GPs as and when the situation changes to NHS England and the Department of Health.

Further support for pharmacy teams is available here.

Sign up to PSNC newsletters at psnc.org.uk/ and follow us on twitter@PSNCNews