As with most medical practices in North & Mid Devon we work from a limited list or ‘formulary’ of drugs and dressings. Local hospital consultants work from the same formulary. Prescribing exclusively from this formulary means that we use drugs with which we are familiar and whose benefits, dose range and potential side effects are known.
Drugs are not excluded from the formulary on the basis of cost. New drugs are only introduced when they have been extensively tried and tested and proved to be effective and safe. Only under exceptional circumstances will we prescribe drugs not in the formulary, usually because of a recommendation from a specialist.
As part of the NHS campaign towards generic prescribing, you may notice a difference in the shape, colour or packaging of your medication. The actual medicine is exactly the same, only the company that makes it has changed. If you have any concerns about this, contact the Dispensary on 01769 580295.