Pabrinex reclassified as special container
Following representations from PSNC, the Department of Health of Social Care (DHSC) has re-determined the special container status of the following products to be supplied as sub-packs:
| Generic | Brand | Pack Size | Special container | Description of sub-pack |
| Vitamins B and C high potency intramuscular solution for injection | Pabrinex Intramuscular High Potency solution for injection | 20 ampoules (10 pairs of ampoules) | 1 pair ampoules (1 x 5ml and 1 x 2ml) | Pabrinex No. 1 and Pabrinex No. 2 |
| Vitamins B and C high potency intravenous solution for injection | Pabrinex Intravenous High Potency solution for injection | 12 ampoules (6 pairs of ampoules) | 1 pair ampoules (1 x 5ml and 1 x 5ml) | Pabrinex No. 1 and Pabrinex No. 2 |
From January 2023, these products have been re-classified as special containers as they meet the relevant criteria as set out in Part II Clause 10B of the Tariff.
Since August 2019, PSNC’s Dispensing & Supply team has reviewed over 4,000 products against Drug Tariff special container criteria. The three main criteria under which PSNC has focused its attention are drugs that are considered hygroscopic, viscous external preparations and those packaged into containers from which it is not practical to dispense the exact quantity. Of those checked, PSNC has identified and submitted applications for nearly 900 products that appear to meet one or more of the special container criteria. PSNC is still awaiting a decision from the Department on several outstanding requests. See our page on Notice of changes to special container status of products.
Where a product meets the special container criteria as set out in the Drug Tariff, a special container indicator for the relevant pack size (complete pack or sub-pack) is applied to the respective product entries in the dm+d and in the Drug Tariff, where listed.
For a list of all the monthly changes to the special container status of products please see the following page Notice of changes to special container status of products.
FAQ
Q. What quantity of Pabrinex® Intramuscular High Potency solution for injection will I be reimbursed for on a prescription requesting 28 ampoules?
A. Following special container rules contractors will be reimbursed for the nearest complete sub-pack i.e. 14 pairs of ampoules (28 ampoules in total). Each sub-pack of Pabrinex® Intramuscular High Potency solution for injection contains a pair of ampoules consisting of one 5 ml and one 2 ml ampoule, labelled as Pabrinex No. 1 and Pabrinex No. 2.
If you identify any particular product(s) which are not currently classed as special containers but you believe satisfy the criteria (as set out in Part II CLAUSE 10 B of the Drug Tariff), please notify PSNC’s Dispensing and Supply Team (0203 1220 810 or info@cpe.org.uk) who will investigate and assess if it meets the relevant criteria. Where appropriate, PSNC will make application to the NHSBSA and DHSC seeking for the special container status of the product(s) to be re-determined.
