Overview
The charts included within this report are organised by BNF classification (legacy) and show comparative costs at the NHS basic price1,2 (as of January 2023) for selected agents. Except where indicated otherwise, each chart shows the cost of 1 year3 of treatment at a commonly prescribed daily dose (shown in brackets). The doses given are not intended to imply therapeutic equivalence and for some BNF sub-classifications, such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), the doses may vary according to indication. Additionally, in some therapeutic areas, for instance antibacterial drugs, the duration of treatment may differ from that shown. Primarily, this report focuses on costs related to prescribing in adults. There are however a few exceptions where products specifically for use in children are represented, such as in the emollient and Infant formulas sections. Additional notes to highlight any relevant cost related information are also added where appropriate, to improve the clarity of the information presented.
Rationale for inclusion: the cost comparison charts (CCCs) aim to represent the diversity of products available; including the least expensive, most prescribed, higher cost products being prescribed and products with additional features. The products included are furthermore considered in the context of national and local guidance and stakeholder formulary decisions. It is not possible to represent all pharmaceuticals within these charts.
Stakeholders (under password protection) can access the current version of the CCCs via our website in three formats: PDF, Word and Excel. The Excel version incorporates a more detailed comparison of contraceptives and allows charts to be split by BNF subsections in some instances.
References
1. NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA). Drug tariff.
2. NHS BSA. Dictionary of medicines and devices (dM+d).
3. 1 year in this instance is equal to 364 days (rather than 365) standardising 1 month as equal to 28 days.
Time Period
January 2023
Frequency
Quarterly