Expensive drugs on GP blacklist
Your support helps us to tell the story
In my reporting on women's reproductive rights, I've witnessed the critical role that independent journalism plays in protecting freedoms and informing the public.
Your support allows us to keep these vital issues in the spotlight. Without your help, we wouldn't be able to fight for truth and justice.
Every contribution ensures that we can continue to report on the stories that impact lives
Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
Expensive drugs are being blacklisted by health trusts in an effort to save money, the GPs' newspaper Pulse has reported. It found that of 134 primary care organisations, half had lists of drugs that GPs are banned from prescribing, and 73 had added to the list in the past year or brought in additional restrictions on prescribing.
Banned treatments include medication approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence such as gliptins for diabetes and denosumab for osteoporosis. Other medication for Parkinson's and some contraceptive pills have also been banned, along with the weight-loss drug orlistat.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments