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United Kingdom: Access to medicines

In the United Kingdom, medicines are licensed by the MHRA, and NICE (the SMC in Scotland) appraises their use in the NHS.

Last updated: ~1 min read
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Figure 1.Pharmacy shelves — United Kingdom: Access to medicines

01Short answer

After licensing, NICE appraises a medicine’s benefit and cost; after a positive decision, the NHS in England must make it available. Some new cancer medicines first become available through the Cancer Drugs Fund. Hospital medicines come from the hospital pharmacy; in England people with cancer can be exempt from prescription charges, and prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

02Simple explanation

MHRA: licence.

NICE: appraisal.

Prescriptions: often free.

03Scientific explanation

New medicines: some expensive drugs go through an assessment stage before they are reimbursed.

Research: unauthorised medicines are sometimes available only within a clinical trial.

04What happens in the body?

Pharmacy

Always get prescription medicines from an official pharmacy.

Appraisal

NICE weighs benefit against cost.

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Figure 2.European seal — United Kingdom: Access to medicines

Hospital pharmacy

Special medicines are often supplied here.

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Figure 3.Hospital pharmacy — United Kingdom: Access to medicines

05Medicines without worry

Four steps.

Which pharmacy? — Ask.1Which pharmacy?Ask.
Payment — Check.2PaymentCheck.
List — Keep it updated.3ListKeep it updated.
On time — Refill.4On timeRefill.
ContinuityMedicine is there on time.
SafetyEveryone has the same list.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PharmacyAlways get prescription medicines from an official pharmacy.
AppraisalNICE weighs benefit against cost.
Hospital pharmacySpecial medicines are often supplied here.

07Key terms

Prescription
Prescription.
Exemption certificate
Exemption certificate.
Repeat prescription
Repeat prescription.
Cancer Drugs Fund
Cancer Drugs Fund.

08Key points

  • Carry your medication list.
  • Tell your team about any new medicine.
  • Mention herbal products too.
  • Do not buy medicines online.
  • Refill in good time.

09Frequently asked questions

Do prescriptions cost money?

In England people with cancer can get an exemption; prescriptions are free in the other nations.

Can I bring medicine from abroad?

Only after agreeing it with your team; rules are strict.

What if a medicine is not on the NHS?

A trial or a special request may be possible; ask your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Do prescriptions cost money?

  2. Can I bring medicine from abroad?

  3. What if a medicine is not on the NHS?

My questions

12Sources

  1. GOV.UK. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
  2. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Official website
  3. GOV.UK. Cancer Drugs Fund
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Drugs Approved for Leukemia
  5. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye. Official website
  6. Social Security Institution of Türkiye (SGK). General health insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası, in Turkish)
  7. Ministry of Health of Türkiye. Aile hekimliği (in Turkish)
  8. Ministry of Health of Türkiye. e-Nabız personal health record
  9. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (WHO). Türkiye: health system information and resources
  10. İstanbul University. Official website
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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