Private prescribing of Sildenafil
Changes to NHS Availability of Erectile Dysfunction Treatments - Changing Prescribing Restrictions for Sildenafil
As of 1 August 2014, the amended regulations Erectile Dysfunction Treatments have come in to force. This means that sildenafil, apomorphine hydrochloride, moxisylyte hydrochloride and thymoxamine hydrochloride are no longer restricted for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). In-patent and branded products for the treatment of ED will continue to be restricted, including the new addition of avanafil.
The regulations is available via the following link: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1625/contents/made
The consultation document, together with the Department of Health's formal response document, is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/nhs-availability-of-erectile-dysfunction-drugs-proposed-changes
Also, the Prescribing in General Practice guidance Q&A on the Drugs and Prescribing pages sets out more details re charging for private prescription:
May GPs charge for issuing a private prescription?
GPs may write private prescriptions for patients which they may wish to do particularly in relation to drugs not available through the Drug Tariff. However, GPs may not normally charge their registered patients for providing such a prescription, although a dispensing doctor may charge for dispensing the prescription. The only occasions when a doctor may charge for a private prescription are:
1. For drugs which are being issued solely in anticipation of the onset of an ailment whilst outside the UK, but for which the patient does not require treatment when the medicine is prescribed.
2. For drugs issued for the prevention of malaria.
