Summary of Support Offered in the Dispex Members’ WhatsApp Group
The Dispex members’ WhatsApp group provides rapid support, updates and peer-to-peer help, often within minutes. Below is a summary of the topics covered and the types of support provided.
Up-to-Date Profitability & Supplier Information
Members raised concerns about changes to manufacturer discount schemes (MDS), such as Spirit disappearing from the PSUK MDS page.
Philip confirmed the change and immediately updated the Brand Comparisons tool on the Dispex website, emphasising that manufacturers frequently alter discount arrangements without notice. Members praised the team for keeping information updated so quickly.
DOAC Profitability Queries
A member asked for comparison of profit margins between Edoxaban, Apixaban, and Rivaroxaban, particularly due to ICB pressure to switch.
Responses included:
Edoxaban (Lixiana) currently has around 13.5% MDS with Alliance.
Apixaban and Rivaroxaban are generics, so discounts differ.
Members confirmed changes within EMIS and other systems.
Philip supplied a detailed comparison table using e-CASS pricing, reminding practices that:
-Different suppliers may produce different margins.
-Some DOACs are once-daily while others are twice-daily.
-Switching should consider patient need first, then practice viability.
Members also asked about reduced wholesaler discounts, showing how common it is for the group to troubleshoot the financial implications of prescribing choices.
Medicines Handling, Storage and Safety Compliance
Members sought clarification on storing cytotoxic medicines such as methotrexate and carbimazole.
Examples of shared advice:
Some practices store methotrexate in a clearly labelled separate basket/shelf.
Others rely on dispensing system safeguards rather than physical separation.
Unused methotrexate is disposed of in purple cytotoxic sharps bins, not DOOP bins.
HSE guidance link was shared for cytotoxic handling regulations.
This shows how the group provides on the ground operational information.
New Dispex Tools and Updates
Philip announced:
An updated Generics Costing More Than Tariff page including the latest Concession Prices.
The group were the first to hear about our new Brand Comparisons section for Nutritional Supplements!
Members of our WhatsApp group receive priority updates and information.
Third-Party Repeat Request Policies
A member reported pushback from some pharmacies regarding their third-party repeat request policy, particularly about housebound or dosette box patients.
The group provided:
Reassurance that practices can follow their own policies.
Advice to refer organisations back to the practice’s original policy.
A set of policy reference points drafted using AnkitAI, covering:
- NHS England repeat prescribing safety
- GP contract responsibilities
- Prescriber oversight
- The risks of routine third-party ordering
- Links to NHS England guidance for evidence-based reassurance
Members can join our group here.
Looking to join Dispex, then please click here.
