Dexamethasone has been banned from parallel export, to ensure a consistent supply for UK patients who need it during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Related Article: PCN funding increased to cover pay rise for ARRS pharmacists
It is hoped that this will help to minimise disruption to the supply chain and protect against supply shortages.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that both formulations of dexamethasone - oral solution and solution for injection (all strengths) - have been added to the list of drugs that must not be exported from the UK.
This news comes as dexamethasone was confirmed to reduce death by up to one-third in hospitalised patients with severe respiratory complications of the virus.
Related Article: Turning plastic waste into sustainable paracetamol
The low-cost and widely available steroid is typically used to treat inflammation, allergies and other breathing conditions such as asthma and COPD, among others.
It has now been approved for NHS use for Covid-19.
Related Article: Generic launched to replace discontinued Otomize ear spray
The full list of all medications that cannot be parallel exported, including the new additions, can be viewed here.
Have your say
Please add your comment in the box below. You can include links, but HTML is not permitted. Please note that comments are not moderated before publication and the views expressed are those of the user and do not reflect the views of The Pharmacist. Remember that submission of comments is governed by our Terms and Conditions. You can also read our full guidelines on article comments here – but please be aware that you are legally liable for any libellous or offensive comments that you make. If you have a complaint about a comment or are concerned that a comment breaches our terms and conditions, please use the ‘Report this comment’ function to alert our web team.