Recommendations to restrict the prescribing of a further seven items currently available in primary care were approved by the NHS England board at its meeting in June.

This follows the outcome of a public consultation between November 2018 and February 2019. Newly restricted items include:

• Aliskiren
• Amiodarone
• Emollient bath & shower preparations for dry and pruritic skin conditions
• Dronedarone
• Minocycline for acne
• Silk garments
• Needles for pre-filled and reusable insulin pens

The proposals initially included the removal of blood glucose testing strips for type 2 diabetes mellitus, but following the consultation these will remain available by routine prescription while further work is done to compare the quality of the different products available.

Updated guidance has been provided to CCGs.