Eurocom Healthcare Communications has announced it is to launch a pharmacy press campaign for IPS Specials, the MHRA licensed manufacturer of ‘Special’ compounded medications and Special Obtains which was founded in 2001 and is based in Surrey, UK. The series of advertisements will appear in publications such as Chemist and Druggist and Pharmacy Magazine, both in print and online.
The campaign is intended to harness and convey the core values of IPS Specials as well as assisting them to stand apart from their competitors. It will build upon the existing media partnership that was created earlier this year when Eurocom launched a national advertising campaign for the company.
In November 2011 the Department of Heath’s introduced a Specials Drug Tariff (Part V111B) for their reimbursement, with an update issued on May 1, 1012. Of the introduction of the tariff, IPS Specials says: “The drug tariff will create an incentive for pharmacy contractors to acquire medicines in a manner that is cost-effective for the NHS, with the aim of linking the cost of reimbursement to the cost of the product.
“The tariff is seen as important to guard against the uncontrolled price escalation of specials. It is further thought that the drug tariff will simplify the arrangements for claiming and payment for sourcing specials.”
IPS Specials describes the impact of the introduction of the Drug Tariff: “The aim of the new arrangements is to create a more transparent system for reimbursing specials, linking the cost of reimbursement to the cost of the product, while providing value for money for the NHS. Having a drug tariff price will create an incentive for pharmacy contractors to procure in a manner that is cost-effective for the NHS. Further, the new arrangements will simplify the arrangements for claiming and payment for sourcing specials.
Pharmacy contractors will be paid for the Part V111B price regardless of whether the product is imported or not.
“These are unlicensed medicines created for patients for whom there is no existing suitable licenced products available,” said IPS Specials. Reasons for unsuitability are commonly due to allergies to conventional ingredients, a unique combination is needed or unacceptable presentations, for example flavours and dysphagia.