The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) advised in favour of the product being available in pharmacies for the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis which has been previously diagnosed by a doctor in adults aged 18 years and over. The treatment is for application once daily, with maximum duration of use of 12 weeks and maximum pack size of 60g of ointment.
Pharmacists will have access to training materials to enable them to identify patients that can be supplied this medicine with reasonable safety.
This is the fourth reclassification this year of a medicine from prescription-only status to make it available over-the-counter. PAGB welcomes this, and the previous reclassification decisions, and supports greater access to medicines as part of a wider policy of supporting more people to self care more of the time.
John Smith, PAGB CEO comments:
“Over-the-counter availability offers people faster and easier access to effective medicines and reduces pressure and costs on GPs. Where a medicine can show it has a good safety profile and the condition it treats is suitable for self care, reclassification is very positive and should be encouraged”
Read MHRA’s statement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dovonex-psoriasis-ointment-to-be-available-to-buy-from-pharmacies
