*** WORK WILL BE TAKING PLACE ON THIS CHAPTER w/c 24/01/21***
PLEASE NOTE: THIS CHAPTER IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Where medicines are included in the BSWformulary (for any indication) and are in the BNF for Children (BNF-C), they can be prescribed for a licensed indication within the manufactrer's recommendations using any formulation.
Where medicines are not included and therefore non-formulary (despite being in the BNF-C) they must be approved for use by the local Formulary team by submitting a Non-Formulary Medicine Request Form or an IFR application for individual patient requests where exceptionality can be shown.
Paediatric drugs are frequently used outside of the SPC since many manufacturers fail to conduct the relevant trials needed to secure licensed use in paediatrics. Prescribers take full responsibility for prescribing products outside the license. However all prescribing should be carried out in the best interest of the child irrespective of license status.
Traffic Light Status Information for Paediatric Chapter
Red Traffic Light
Amber with Shared Care Agreement (SCA)
- In BNF-C within indication and dose range
- Unlicensed or Off label use of drug (as per BNF-C definition Guidance on prescribing: BNFC and marketing authorisation)
- Require specialist initiation and stabilisation. Ongoing division of responsibility for drug and disease monitoring between specialist and GP detailed in SCA
Amber No Shared Care Agreement (SCA) needed
- In BNF-C within indication and dose range
- Considered suitable for GP prescribing following specialist initiation or recommendation.
Green Traffic Light
- In BNF-C within indication and dose range
- Considered suitable for initiation in both primary and secondary care.
Useful resources
RCPCH and NPPG joint position statement -using standardised strengths of unlicensed liquid medicines
RCPCH and NPPG joint position statement - choosing an oral liquid medicine for children
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