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Bedfordshire and Luton Joint Formulary
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB
Formulary Chapter: 8 - Malignant disease and immunosuppression 
Notes:

Any drug not listed on the Formulary should be considered Non-Formulary - Not recommended for prescribing
08.02.04 Other immunomodulating drugs
08.02.04 Interferon Alfa

Peginterferon Alfa-2a 90mcg, 135mcg, 180mcg (Pegasys®)
(Pre-filled syringe)

RED
Formulary

FOR ALL PRESCRIBING – Blueteq or High cost drug form required – see link from Formulary homepage.

Hepatology

No longer prescribed for hepatitis C in adults. 

For continuation of treatment in patients with hepatitis B in combination with adefovir dipivoxil.

Haematology

For use for the treatment of polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET) in accordance with local agreement: 

  • As a second line treatment option following hydroxycarbamide where hydroxycarbamide is ineffective, contraindicated or not tolerated.
  • As a first line treatment option for younger patients (< 40 years age), patients that are pregnant or considering pregnancy.
  • For patients with aquagenic pruritus uncontrolled by hydroxycarbamide.
BNF BNFc SPC
NICE TA300: Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for treating chronic hepatitis C in children and young people

Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy®)
(Pre-filled pen)

RED
Formulary

FOR ALL PRESCRIBING – Blueteq or High cost drug form required – see link from Formulary homepage.

Restricted - prescribing by Consultant Neurologists and clinical nurse specialists (MS) as a first line treatment option for adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in accordance with NHS England circular SSC1534 and/or the following NICE TA:-

BNF BNFc SPC
NICE TA 624 Peginterferon beta-1a for treating relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
08.02.04 Interferon beta
08.02.04 Aldesleukin
08.02.04 Glatiramer acetate
08.02.04 Natalizumab
Classifications
GREEN
May be initiated in any care setting
Amber SPA
Specialist to advise therapy and provide first 28 days supply, continuation in Primary Care
Amber SPIS
Specialist to initiate and stabilise medicine prior to continuation in Primary Care
SCG
To be prescribed as per Shared Care Guidance. If no SCG in place status reverts to red.
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).
DNP
A decision has been made either locally and/or nationally not to routinely commission this preparation. Do not prescribe.
SELF
To be purchased over the counter. May be prescribed for chronic, long term conditions or on admission to hospital if essential.