Recommendations
This section contains a list of the policy recommendations of the Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee.
Reviews of the new medicines have been conducted by our pharmacists using a number of resources including National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) which is a Special health Authority (SHA) set up in 1999. It is used to give advice to the NHS on best clinical practice including the clinical and cost effectiveness of drugs and other treatments.
Definitions and criteria for the categorisation of medicines
Legacy Merseyside
New Cheshire and Merseyside
Transition of Commissioning Policies
On 1st July 2022 NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) became the new statutory body responsible for ensuring health care services are available to meet the reasonable needs of the people of Cheshire & Merseyside.
Until such time as a single suite of commissioning policies can be developed and adopted, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside will continue to adopt and operate the CCG policies it has inherited at Place/borough level, which means that there will be no immediate change in commissioning policy for local people resident in those Places/boroughs from what was in place prior to 1st July 2022.
Documents
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of abatacept infusion and subcutaneous injection (Orencia ®) for rheumatoid arthritis and infusion for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis as described below.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ABROCITINIB tablets (Cibinqo®▼), TRALOKINUMAB injection (Adtralza®▼) or UPADACITINIB prolonged-release tablets (Rinvoq®▼), by specialists only, for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in accordance with NICE TA814.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of adalimumab injection (Humira®) for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and in patients fitting other criteria commissioned by Pan Mersey CCGs, as described.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab, by specialists only, for the treatment of moderate rheumatoid arthritis after conventional DMARDs have failed and in accordance with NICE TA715.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ANDEXANET ALFA infusion (Ondexxya®▼), by specialists only, for reversing anticoagulation from apixaban, edoxaban or rivaroxaban, when used in accordance with the criteria in NICE TA697.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Interim Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of AVATROMBOPAG tablets (Doptelet®▼), by specialists only, for primary chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in accordance with NICE TA853.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of azithromycin tablets in selected high risk patients, when recommended by a respiratory specialist, for the prevention of exacerbations in COPD and bronchiectasis.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of BEMPEDOIC ACID tablets (Nilemdo®▼) and BEMPEDOIC ACID-EZETIMIBE tablets (Nustendi®▼) for primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia in accordance with NICE TA694.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of BIMEKIZUMAB solution for injection (Bimzelx®▼), by specialists only, for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in accordance with NICE TA723.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ORAL BISPHOSPHONATES (alendronic acid, ibandronic acid and risedronate sodium) for treating osteoporosis in accordance with NICE TA464.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside PENDING APPROVAL
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends no more than TWO TREATMENT SESSIONS per YEAR of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection (Botox®) by specialists for the treatment of severe axillary hyperhidrosis that has not responded to treatment with topical antiperspirants or other antihidrotic treatment, as a potential alternative to surgery.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends Botulinum Toxin Type A injection by specialists for the treatment of achalasia, non-specific gastric motility disorder and functional or post-operative gastroparesis in adults.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends prescribing a maximum of TWO COURSES of botulinum toxin type A injection in the treatment of chronic anal fissure which has not healed despite a minimum course of at least 8 weeks of topical management.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of BRIVARACETAM tablets/oral solution (Briviact®▼) for adjunctive treatment of focal seizures following initiation by a consultant neurologist.
AMBER patient retained by specialist NHS Wirral CCG
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of budesonide orodispersible tablets (Jorveza®), with specialist initiation, for induction and maintenance of remission in eosinophilic oesophagitis in adults.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
NHS England specialised commissining resources: the clinical reference group responsible for allergy and immunology has published a commissioning policy that defines access to a particular service for a cohort of patients.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of CANAGLIFLOZIN, DAPAGLIFLOZIN, EMPAGLIFLOZIN and ERTUGLIFLOZIN as COMBINATION THERAPIES as options for treating type 2 diabetes in adults in accordance with NICE guidance.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing ofCANAGLIFLOZIN, DAPAGLIFLOZIN, EMPAGLIFLOZIN and ERTUGLIFLOZIN as
MONOTHERAPIES as options for treating type 2 diabetes in adults in accordance with NICE TA390 and TA572.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of CARIPRAZINE hard capsules (Reagila®▼), following specialist initiation, as a non-first line treatment option for adult patients with predominant negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group does not recommend the prescribing of CASIRIVIMAB plus IMDEVIMAB solution for infusion (Ronapreve®▼), for treating COVID-19 in accordance with NICE TA878.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of CENOBAMATE tablets (Ontozry®▼), following specialist initiation, for treating focal onset seizures in adults with epilepsy in accordance with NICE TA753.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of certolizumab injection (Cimzia®) for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as in patients fitting other criteria commissioned by Pan Mersey CCGs, as listed below.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of CICLOSPORIN 1mg/mL eye drops (Verkazia®), by specialists only, for the treatment of severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in children from 4 years of age and adolescents.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of COLESEVELAM HYDROCHLORIDE (Cholestagel®), following specialist initiation, for adult patients with bile acid malabsorption-associated diarrhoea who do not tolerate, or fail to respond to, 1st line treatments.
NHS England specialised commissining resources: the clinical reference group responsible for allergy and immunology has published a commissioning policy that defines access to a particular service for a cohort of patients.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of DAPAGLIFLOZIN and EMPAGLIFLOZIN, following specialist recommendation, as options for treating symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in accordance with NICE TA679 and NICE TA773, and symptomatic chronic heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction, in accordance with NICE TA902 and TA929.
GP communication letter: SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure
Pathway for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends DAPAGLIFLOZIN and EMPAGLIFLOZIN as options for treating chronic kidney disease, in accordance with NICE TA775 and NICE TA942.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing ofCANAGLIFLOZIN, DAPAGLIFLOZIN, EMPAGLIFLOZIN and ERTUGLIFLOZIN as
MONOTHERAPIES as options for treating type 2 diabetes in adults in accordance with NICE TA390 and TA572.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of CANAGLIFLOZIN, DAPAGLIFLOZIN, EMPAGLIFLOZIN and ERTUGLIFLOZIN as COMBINATION THERAPIES as options for treating type 2 diabetes in adults in accordance with NICE guidance.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of DAPOXETINE tablets (Priligy®) for the treatment of premature ejaculation when recommended by a psychosexual service or a specialist clinician with experience of treating psychosexual disorders. Treatment is restricted to three doses per month.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of DEGARELIX SC injection (Firmagon®) following specialist initiation for treating advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer in people with spinal metastases in accordance with NICE TA404.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee does not currently recommend the prescribing of DENOSUMAB solution for injection (Prolia®) for the treatment of bone loss associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of DEUCRAVACITINIB tablets (Sotyktu ®▼), by specialists only, for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults in accordance with NICE TA907.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of DEXAMETHASONE INTRAVITREAL IMPLANT (Ozurdex®), by specialists only, for treating visual impairment caused by diabetic macular oedema, in accordance with NICE TA824.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of Dibotermin Alfa formulation (InductOs®) by specialists only for the licensed indication (acute tibia fractures in adults, as an adjunct to standard care) and use outside of this license as detailed below by a non-union specialist only.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ELUXADOLINE Tablets (Truberzi®▼) following specialist initiation for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea in adults in accordance with NICE TA471.
Red NHS West Lancashire CCG
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of EMPAGLIFLOZIN tablets (Jardiance®) for symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, following specialist recommendation in accordance with NICE TA773.
- GP communication letter: SGLT2 inhibitors in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
- Pathway for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
- EMPAGLIFLOZIN tablets (Jardiance®) for symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (Boehringer Ingelheim)
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing ofCANAGLIFLOZIN, DAPAGLIFLOZIN, EMPAGLIFLOZIN and ERTUGLIFLOZIN as
MONOTHERAPIES as options for treating type 2 diabetes in adults in accordance with NICE TA390 and TA572.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of CANAGLIFLOZIN, DAPAGLIFLOZIN, EMPAGLIFLOZIN and ERTUGLIFLOZIN as COMBINATION THERAPIES as options for treating type 2 diabetes in adults in accordance with NICE guidance.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Interim Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of EPTINEZUMAB injection (Vyepti®▼), by specialists only, for the prevention of episodic and chronic migraine in accordance with NICE TA871.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of CANAGLIFLOZIN, DAPAGLIFLOZIN, EMPAGLIFLOZIN and ERTUGLIFLOZIN as COMBINATION THERAPIES as options for treating type 2 diabetes in adults in accordance with NICE guidance.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing ofCANAGLIFLOZIN, DAPAGLIFLOZIN, EMPAGLIFLOZIN and ERTUGLIFLOZIN as
MONOTHERAPIES as options for treating type 2 diabetes in adults in accordance with NICE TA390 and TA572.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Interim Area Prescribing Group does not recommend the prescribing of ESKETAMINE nasal spray (Spravato®▼) for treatment-resistant depression in adults in accordance with NICE TA854.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of etanercept injection for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset Still’s disease, as well as in patients fitting other criteria commissioned by Pan Mersey CCGs, as listed.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee does not recommend the prescribing of EVOLOCUMAB injection (Repatha SureClick®) for reduction of cardiovascular risk in adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of FARICIMAB solution for injection (Vabysmo®▼), by specialists only, for diabetic macular oedema in accordance with NICE TA799.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of FARICIMAB solution for injection (Vabysmo ®▼), by specialists only, for neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration in accordance with NICE TA800.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of FERRIC MALTOL (Feraccru®) following specialist initiation for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of FILGOTINIB tablets (Jyseleca®▼), by specialists only, for treating moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in accordance with NICE TA792.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of FINERENONE tablets (Kerendia®▼), for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetes in accordance with NICE TA877.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of FOSTAMATINIB tablets (Tavlesse®▼), by specialists only, for treating refractory chronic immune thrombocytopenia in accordance with NICE TA835.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of FreeStyle Optium® blood glucose and FreeStyle Optium® ß-ketone test strips only for use with FreeStyle Libre® specifically in patients who are using carbohydrate counting/ bolus advice.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of GLP-1 mimetics in combination with insulin for type 2 diabetes, only with specialist care advice and ongoing support from a consultant-led MDT.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of golimumab injection (Simponi®) for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and in patients fitting other criteria commissioned by Pan Mersey CCGs, as listed.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of GUSELKUMAB injection (Tremfya®▼), by specialists only, for psoriatic arthritis in accordance with NICE TA815.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the use of hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes, by specialists only, in accordance with NICE TA943.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
NHS England specialised commissining resources: the clinical reference group responsible for allergy and immunology has published a commissioning policy that defines access to a particular service for a cohort of patients.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ICOSAPENT ETHYL capsules (Vazkepa®▼) with statin therapy, for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in people with raised triglycerides in accordance with NICE TA805.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of infliximab infusion for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and adult-onset Still’s disease, as well as in patients fitting other criteria commissioned by Pan Mersey CCGs, as listed.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of INSULIN DEGLUDEC 100units/mL and 200 units/mL solution for subcutaneous injection (Tresiba®), initiated by specialists only, for type 1 and type 2 diabetes for specific patient groups, taking into account NICE guidance
Ivabradine has been approved by NICE (TA 267)1 as an option for treating chronic heart failure following specialist initiation in patients with chronic, stable heart failure (NYHA class II-IV), left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF 35% or less) and who are in sinus rhythm with a heart rate of 75 beats per minute or more.
NHS England specialised commissining resources: the clinical reference group responsible for cystic fibrosis has published a commissioning policy that defines access to a particular service for a cohort of patients.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of melatonin for the treatment of persistent chronic sleep disorders in the circumstances where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient.
Management of sleep disorders in children and adults - flowchart
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of Mesalazine oral formulations by brand name following specialist initiation for inflammatory bowel disease. Octasa® brand is considered to be equivalent to Asacol® brand and currently represents a more cost effective choice.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of methadone tablets (Physeptone®) in adults following initiation by a consultant in pain medicine in a tertiary centre.
Red Halton Place and Sefton Place
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of mometasone furoate 25 micrograms and olopatadine hydrochloride equivalent to 600 micrograms nasal spray (Ryaltris®) for treatment of moderate to severe nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of NALMEFENE (Selincro®) within its marketing authorisation, as an option for reducing alcohol consumption in adults with alcohol dependence, in line with NICE TA325.
Refer to Pan Mersey formulary for RAG status for each individual CCG.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of NALOXEGOL Tablets (Moventig®▼) as an option for treating opioid induced constipation in adults in accordance with NICE TA345 (22nd July 2015).
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommend Nephrotrans® 500mg gastro-resistant capsules as an option for metabolic acidosis in patients with chronic renal impairment who do not tolerate the gastrointestinal adverse effects of standard sodium bicarbonate products.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of NIRMATRELVIR plus RITONAVIR tablets, SOTROVIMAB solution for infusion and TOCILIZUMAB solution for infusion by specialists only, for treating COVID-19 in accordance with NICE TA878.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee does not recommend the prescribing of CONJUGATED OESTROGENS and BAZEDOXIFENE 0.45mg/20mg modified release tablets (Duavive®) for the treatment of oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women with a uterus.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of OPICAPONE (Ongentys®▼) following specialist recommendation as add-on therapy in adult patients with Parkinson’s disease.
BLACK NHS West Lancashire CCG
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of OZANIMOD capsules (Zeposia®▼), by specialists only, for ulcerative colitis, in accordance with NICE TA828.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of PATIROMER powder for oral suspension (Veltassa®▼) for emergency treatment of life-threatening hyperkalaemia in adults in accordance with NICE TA623.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of PATIROMER powder for oral suspension (Veltassa®▼) for persistent hyperkalaemia in adults following initiation by a specialist in accordance with NICE TA623.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee does not recommend the prescribing of PITOLISANT HYDROCHLORIDE film-coated tablets (Ozawade®) for treating excessive daytime sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnoea, in accordance with NICE TA776.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of PITOLISANT tablets (Wakix®▼), by specialists working in a regional and national tertiary commissioned sleep service only, for the treatment of narcolepsy with or without cataplexy in adult patients in accordance with the Aintree University Hospital Sleep Service Pathway for Narcolepsy.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee does not currently recommend the prescribing of PRASTERONE pessaries (Intrarosa®▼) for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women having moderate to severe symptoms.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends that IMMEDIATE RELEASE QUETIAPINE is the preferred formulation of quetiapine for prescribing across the Pan Mersey Area.
AMBER RETAINED NHS Southport and Formby, NHS South Sefton CCG
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of RANIBIZUMAB intravitreal injection (Lucentis®), by ophthalmologists only, for the treatment of visual impairment secondary to choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) in conditions not covered by NICE technology appraisals.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee does not recommend the prescribing of Rasburicase powder and solvent for concentrate for solution for infusion (Fasturtec®▼) for the “off label” treatment of severe, refractory, tophaceous gout resistant to xanthine oxidase inhibitors (allopurinol & febuxostat) and uricosuric agents (benzbromarone) or for whom these drugs are contraindicated.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of RELUGOLIX-ESTRADIOL-NORETHISTERONE ACETATE tablets (Ryeqo®▼) for treating uterine fibroids in accordance with NICE TA832.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of REMDESIVIR solution for infusion, by specialists only, for treating COVID-19 in accordance with NICE TA971.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends RIFAXIMIN 550mg tablets (Targaxan®), following specialist initiation, as an option for reducing the recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy in people aged 18 years or older in accordance with NICE TA 337.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside recommends the prescribing of RIMEGEPANT oral lyophilisate (Vydura®▼), following specialist initiation, for preventing migraine in accordance with NICE TA906.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of RISANKIZUMAB solution for injection (Skyrizi®▼), by specialists only,
for psoriatic arthritis in accordance with NICE TA803.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of RISANKIZUMAB (Skyrizi®▼), by specialists only, for previously treated moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in accordance with NICE TA888.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
NHS England specialised commissining resources: the clinical reference group responsible for specialised rheumatology has published a commissioning policy that defines access to a particular service for a cohort of patients.
NHS England specialised commissining resources: the clinical reference group responsible for specialised rheumatology has published a commissioning policy that defines access to a particular service for a cohort of patients.
RITUXIMAB (Truxima®▼, Rixathon®▼)The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of rituximab by specialists only, for immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura before romiplostin and eltrombopag.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of rituximab infusion for rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with NICE TA195 and in accordance with the Mersey Rheumatoid Arthritis Biologics Pathway. Treatment should be initiated and supervised by a rheumatologist.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of Rivaroxaban 2.5mg tablets (Xarelto®▼) following specialist initiation for preventing adverse outcomes after acute management of acute coronary syndrome in accordance with NICE TA335.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of RIVAROXABAN 2.5mg tablets (Xarelto®▼) plus aspirin, for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) at high risk of ischaemic events, in accordance with NICE TA607.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ROMOSOZUMAB solution for injection (EVENITY®▼), by specialists only, for treating severe osteoporosis in accordance with NICE TA791.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ROXADUSTAT film coated tablets (Evrenzo®▼), by specialists only, for treating symptomatic anaemia in chronic kidney disease in accordance with NICE TA807.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of SACUBITRIL/VALSARTAN film-coated tablets (Entresto®▼) for treating symptomatic chronic heart failure following specialist initiation and in accordance with NICE TA388.
North West Strategic Clinical Network and Senate
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of SAFINAMIDE (Xadago®▼) following specialist recommendation in the management of mid to late stage Parkinson’s disease.
BLACK NHS West Lancashire CCG
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group does not currently recommend the prescribing of SECUKINUMAB solution for injection (Cosentyx®) for enthesitis-related arthritis or juvenile psoriatic arthritis.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of SECUKINUMAB solution for injection (Cosentyx®), by specialists only, for the treatment of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in accordance with NICE TA719.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of SEMAGLUTIDE injection (Wegovy®▼), by specialists only, for managing overweight and obesity within a specialist weight management service, in accordance with NICE TA875.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of SODIUM OXYBATE oral solution, by specialists working in a regional and national tertiary commissioned sleep service only, for the treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy in adult patients in accordance with the Aintree University Hospital Sleep Service Pathway for Narcolepsy.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of SODIUM ZIRCONIUM CYCLOSILICATE powder for oral suspension (Lokelma®▼) for emergency treatment of life-threatening hyperkalaemia in adults in accordance with NICE TA599.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of SODIUM ZIRCONIUM CYCLOSILICATE powder for oral suspension (Lokelma®▼) for persistent hyperkalaemia in adults following initiation by a specialist in accordance with NICE TA599.
NHS England specialised commissining resources: the clinical reference group responsible for infectious disease has published a commissioning policy that defines access to a particular service for a cohort of patients.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee does not recommend the prescribing of SOLIRAMFETOL tablets (Sunosi®▼), for treating excessive daytime sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnoea in accordance with NICE TA777.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of solriamfetol tablets (Sunosi®▼), by specialists only, for treating excessive daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy in accordance with NICE TA758.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Interim Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of SOMATROGON injection (Ngenla®▼), by specialists only, for treating growth disturbance in children and young people aged 3 years and over, in accordance with NICE TA863.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of TAPENTADOL prolonged release tablets (Palexia® SR) for severe chronic pain in adults only when initiated by chronic pain specialists or palliative care specialists
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of TICAGRELOR tablets (Brilique®), following specialist initiation, for the management of acute coronary syndromes in adults in accordance with NICE TA236 and for preventing atherothrombotic events after myocardial infarction in accordance with NICE TA420.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of TIRBANIBULIN 10mg/g ointment (Klisyri®▼), following specialist initiation, for field treatment of non-hyperkeratotic, non-hypertrophic actinic keratosis (Olsen grade 1) of the face or scalp.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of tocilizumab infusion and subcutaneous injection (RoActemra®) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and adult-onset Still’s disease, and the infusion for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, as described.
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ABROCITINIB tablets (Cibinqo®▼), TRALOKINUMAB injection (Adtralza®▼) or UPADACITINIB prolonged-release tablets (Rinvoq®▼), by specialists only, for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in accordance with NICE TA814.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends that TRIPTORELIN (Decapeptyl® SR 3mg, 11.25mg and 22.5mg) INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION is first choice gonadorelin analogue for prostate cancer following specialist urologist / oncologist initiation under applicable local arrangement.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of UPADACITINIB prolonged-release tablets (RINVOQ®▼), by specialists only, for previously treated moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in accordance with NICE TA905.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of UPADACITINIB prolonged-release tablets (Rinvoq®▼), by specialists only, for treating active ankylosing spondylitis in accordance with NICE TA829.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Cheshire and Merseyside Interim Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of UPADACITINIB prolonged-release tablets (Rinvoq®▼), by specialists only, for active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in accordance with NICE TA861.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of UPADACITINIB prolonged-release tablets (RINVOQ®▼), by specialists only, for treating moderate rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with NICE TA744.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Interim Area Prescribing Group recommends the prescribing of UPADACITINIB prolonged-release tablets (RINVOQ®▼), by specialists only, for treating moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults in accordance with NICE TA856.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED
The Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee recommends the prescribing of ABROCITINIB tablets (Cibinqo®▼), TRALOKINUMAB injection (Adtralza®▼) or UPADACITINIB prolonged-release tablets (Rinvoq®▼), by specialists only, for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in accordance with NICE TA814.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside APPROVED