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Leyla Hannbeck, head of pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association, answers three of the 700 questions fielded every day by the NPA’s Pharmacy Services team

If a patient has received the first and second dose of Rabipur vaccine for primary pre-exposure immunisation on days 0 and 7 (as per the dosing schedule) but then is unable to have the third dose on day 21 or 28, can they receive the third dose at a later date?

The primary immunisation schedule for Rabipur, as stated in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), involves administration of the first dose on day 0, second dose on day 7, and the third dose on day 21 or 28. The manufacturer, Novartis Vaccines, has advised that the immunisation schedule should be adhered to as per the SPC, although a few days either side can be allowed for. However, longer delays between doses are not recommended and if the third dose is not administered on or close to day 21 or 28, Novartis Vaccines recommend the full immunisation schedule should be restarted.

I have been presented with a prescription for Elvanse capsules 30mg for a patient over 18 years of age. Can I supply Elvanse Adult capsules 30mg against this prescription?

No, the prescription will need to be amended by the prescriber if Elvanse Adult capsules 30mg are to be supplied. This is because the prescriber has specifically requested Elvanse capsules 30mg, which is a separate product. Elvanse capsules are licensed from six years of age, whereas Elvanse Adult capsules can be use in those who are 18 years of age and over. Both products contain lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and are both available in 30mg, 50mg and 70mg strengths.

Can Elvanse capsules and Elvanse Adult capsules be entered in the same CD register insert?

If the heading of the insert in the Controlled Drugs register is named as ‘Elvanse capsules’, Elvanse Adult capsules cannot be entered in the same register because they are classed as two separate products. However, if the heading of the CD register insert is named as ‘lisdexamfetamine dimesylate’, then either Elvanse capsules or Elvanse Adult capsules can be entered in the same register insert.