Azithromycin OTC for chlamydia

August 7, 2008 at 10:31 am | In Prescribing Extra - Other |

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued a press release advising that azithromycin is to be made available to purchase in pharmacies. This press release has been reported in the general media (BBC).

The product will be called Clamelle^® and will be licensed for people over 16 year old who have tested positive for the infection and have no symptoms, and for their sexual partners.

Proof of infection, or contact with an infected individual, is likely to be through documentary evidence of a positive test result or a tear-off handed to a sexual contact by the individual who has tested positive.

This product is not currently available but is expected to be in pharmacies later this year. Patients will need to pay for this product themselves and therefore demand for this item is likely to depend upon the price point. This is expected to be £20, as confirmed by the manufacturer and therefore demand is expected to be low.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of the availability of this product. It is likely to drive consultations but could be a useful route of supply for some patients.