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Bedfordshire and Luton Joint Formulary
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB
Formulary Chapter: 9 - Nutrition and blood 
Notes:

Any drug not listed on the Formulary should be considered Non-Formulary - Not recommended for prescribing
Links:
BLMK ICB: Oral nutritional supplements guidance Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Post Bariatric Surgery Guideline
09.01.03 Drugs used in hypoplastic, haemolytic, and renal anaemias and in sickle cell disease
NICE CG39: Anaemia management in chronic kidney disease
09.01.03 Erythropoietin
NICE CG39: Anaemia management in chronic kidney disease

Darbepoetin Alfa (Aranesp®)

RED
Formulary

10microgram, 20microgram, 30microgram, 40microgram, 50microgram, 60microgram & 100microgram Pre-filled Pen

To be prescribed by consultant Haematologist in accordance with NICE TA323 for the treatment of anaemia in patients with cancer who are having chemotherapy.

Also prescribed for renal patients (no longer pbR excluded for this indication).

In secondary care: MUST BE PRESCRIBED ON A HOSPITAL ONLY PRESCRIPTION (considerably more cost-effective)

Entry reviewed: September 2025

BNF BNFc SPC
NICE TA323: Erythropoiesis‑stimulating agents (epoetin and darbepoetin) for treating anaemia in people with cancer having chemotherapy

Epoetin alfa (Eprex®)

RED
Formulary
  • Injection, prefilled syringes - 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000 units

To be prescribed by consultant Haematologist for licensed indications or in accordance with NICE TA323 for the treatment of anaemia in patients with cancer who are having chemotherapy.

Also prescribed in renal patients (no longer a pBR excluded drug).

In secondary care: MUST BE PRESCRIBED ON A HOSPITAL ONLY PRESCRIPTION (considerably more cost-effective)

Entry reviewed: September 2025

BNF BNFc SPC
NICE TA323: Erythropoiesis‑stimulating agents (epoetin and darbepoetin) for treating anaemia in people with cancer having chemotherapy

Epoetin zeta (Retacrit®)

RED
Formulary

10,000units/1ml 

30,000units/0.75ml 

8,000units/0.8ml 

 

Biosimilar product of Epoetin alfa

 

Entry reviewed: September 2025

BNF BNFc SPC
Non formulary items

Epoetin beta (NeoRecormon®)

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC

Epoetin Theta (Eporatio®)

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC

Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin Beta (Mircera®)

 
Non Formulary
BNF BNFc SPC
09.01.03 Iron overload
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.