Achieving value and sustainability in prescribing medication: consultation

• prescribe only if for an exception or indication named in this guidance
• consider deprescribing in individuals currently prescribed this item where appropriate
• prescribe only if no other item or intervention is clinically appropriate
• prescribe only if no other item or intervention is available

Exceptions:

• Prescribe to individuals in line with SMC guidance, who are who are still experiencing neuropathic pain associated with previous herpes zoster infection (post-herpetic neuralgia, PHN). Its use is restricted to individuals who are intolerant of first-line systemic therapies for post-herpetic neuralgia or where these therapies have been ineffective.
• Individuals undergoing palliative care, where the recommendation to use lidocaine plasters in line with the Scottish Palliative Care guideline has been made by a multidisciplinary team and/or other palliative care specialist.