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Bedfordshire and Luton Joint Formulary
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB
Formulary Chapter: 13 - Skin 
Notes:

Any drug not listed on the Formulary should be considered Non-Formulary - Not recommended for prescribing

13.02.01 Emollients
13.02.01 Emollients - Creams
13.02.01 Emollients - Ointments

Epimax ointment

First Choice

Epimax Ointment - Alternative to Epaderm/Hydromol/Zeroderm

Epimax Paraffin Free Ointment - for patients where paraffin based ointments are not considered safe or suitable

 

Can be used as a bath additive or bodywash.

 

Please note that the MHRA has issued a warning that Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment can harm the eyes if used on the face. Do not prescribe these ointments for use on the face. Tell patients to wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes after using these products.

Entry reviewed: July 2024

Zeroderm®
(Ointment)

First Choice

Similar to Epaderm & Hydromol

 

Entry reviewed: April 2023

Cetraben® Ointment

Formulary

Alternative choice to Zeroderm where not tolerated

 

Entry reviewed: April 2023

Emulsifying Ointment BP

Formulary

Hydromol®
(Ointment)

Formulary

Contains emulsifying wax 300 mg per 1 gram, yellow soft paraffin 300 mg per 1 gram

N.B. this is identical to Epaderm ointment but more cost-effective.

 

Entry reviewed: April 2023

Liquid and White Soft Paraffin (50:50)
(Ointment)

Formulary
13.02.01 Emollients - Gels
13.02.01 Emollients - Lotions
13.02.01 Emollients - with antimicrobials
13.02.01 Emollients - Oat based
13.02.01 Heel balm
13.02.01 8
Classifications
May be initiated in any care setting
Specialist to advise therapy and provide first 28 days supply, continuation in Primary Care
Specialist to initiate and stabilise medicine prior to continuation in Primary Care
To be prescribed as per Shared Care Guidance. If no SCG in place status reverts to red.
Red medicines are designated as specialist only medicines which should only be prescribed by a specialist, usually within secondary care (either due to the requirement for specialist knowledge, long-term monitoring requirements, or restrictions that mean medicine supplies are only available to hospitals).
A decision has been made either locally and/or nationally not to routinely commission this preparation. Do not prescribe.
To be purchased over the counter. May be prescribed for chronic, long term conditions or on admission to hospital if essential.