A Guide to Cost-Effective Emollient Prescribing
TLDR Choose cost-effective emollients for dry skin conditions and prescribe appropriate amounts.
The document from 2019 discussed the critical role of emollients in managing dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and the need for cost-effective prescribing practices. It pointed out that England spent £116.2 million on emollients in 2015/2016, despite limited evidence from controlled trials on the effectiveness of different emollients. The article emphasized the importance of choosing the right emollient based on various factors such as patient preference and disease severity and provided a table with recommendations for different patient groups. It also highlighted the need for local formularies to agree on a list of cost-effective emollients and for healthcare professionals to discuss product choices with patients. The document advised prescribing up to 500g of emollient per week depending on the area affected, avoiding products not listed in the Drug Tariff, and being cautious with antibacterial emollients and those containing urea. Aquamax was mentioned as a cost-effective option, and the document included a cost comparison chart. It concluded that while evidence is limited, there is a clinical consensus on the importance of emollients, and patients with eczema or psoriasis will require prescriptions in appropriate quantities. The publication was supported by Intrapharm Laboratories.
