[log in to unmask] (Dr Mark Trowell) Wrote:
Have you prescribed Betnovate RD for kids less than one year old?
I did. After trying hydrocortisone for the poor little mite with terrible
eczema. Pharmacist dispensed it. Mother read PIL. "Betnovate RD is
contra-indicated in children of less than 12 months".
I don't believe it!! (V Meldrew)
Yet there in BNF it is. Other more potent steroids are prescribable. The
whole thing's daft as the pharmacist pointed out. 6 of 27 kids with eczema
less than 12 months have had it or _more_ potent in last 12 months.
Local dermatologist says it's Ok for short courses. My script said max 2
weeks.
Mother made complaint to practice manager, due TCI for formal meeting today,
DNA'd.
Unfortunately, as anyone who has ever dealt with a lawyer and a medicolegal
problem will know, the power of the written word will always overwhelm hard-
won experience. Much of what we do isn't in books ( and especially not in
PILs, which are devices designed to cover drug companies' backs) yet patients
will believe them because they're there in black & white. Mind you, people
read and believe the Daily Mail.........
BTW I find that Betnovate RD or Elocon (cost be damned) work brillianyly to
get eczema under control in < 1/52, when you can reduce steroid potency.
Emile de Sousa
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