Arthritis

Tofacitinib is the first of a new class of drugs for treating psoriatic arthritis that can be used after two conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or after treatment with a TNF alpha inhibitor following two conventional DMARDs.

Ixekizumab is a biological therapy for treating psoriatic arthritis. NICE recommends itxekizumab be used after two disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, as the first biological therapy, or after treatment with a TNF alpha inhibitor. 

Analgesics

In January 2018, co-dydramol (dihydrocodeine/paracetamol) became available in 20mg and 30mg strengths of dihydrocodeine (co-dydramol 20/500mg and 30/500mg tablets). Co-dydramol products must be prescribed and dispensed by strength and dose to minimise errors and the risk of accidental opioid overdose. Where the strength is not stated the prescriber should be contacted.

POM to P switch 

In April 2018, sildenafil switched from POM to P and became available OTC from pharmacies for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men aged 18 years and over. Sales reached £4.3 million in the first 12 weeks.