Key Summary
- Great Ormond Street Hospital study shows switching kids from liquid to tablets could save NHS money.
- Children found tablets easier to take.
- National Pharmacy Association says tablets can also improve dosing accuracy and ease for parents.
A recent study by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) revealed that the NHS could save up to £40,000 per patient annually if they replace liquid medicines for children with tablets.
Researchers at GOSH focused on children suffering from congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a condition characterised by elevated insulin levels that necessitate regular, often multiple daily, doses of diazoxide to maintain stable blood sugar.
The project studied 19 young patients aged between seven and thirteen.
The children who attempted consuming tablets were observed to find their blood sugar levels remained stable along with the other impacts.
Most of the children who took part suffered from the unpleasant taste of liquid or crushed medicines, and they found the switch to tablets comforting.
This treatment has been administered mainly in liquid form, with liquid diazoxide costing £15.50 per 50mg. On the other hand, a diazoxide tablet costs just £1.15 per 50mg.
Experts opine that this could be replicated among younger children aged four, as a part of the NHS cost-cutting plan.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed the findings of the GOSH study.
Jasmine Shah, Patient Safety Lead at NPA commented, “This study adds helpful evidence about the benefits of children taking solid medication, when it is suitable for them, instead of liquid alternatives.”
"When it is appropriate, children should be supported to take solid medication rather than liquid alternatives,” she added.
According to NPA, solid medicines are the best way to ensure the right dosage of medicines for children, as liquid medicines or crushed medicines could sometimes lead to inconsistent dosing and create practical difficulties for parents and carers in completing the course of treatment.
However, tablets are easier to use for the parents and carers and store for the pharmacists, helping the NHS save money in the long term.
"We encourage parents who are finding it difficult to support their child to take certain medicines to speak with their pharmacist for advice,” Jasmine Shah urged.
