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Supporting patients with infected insect bites

Now we are in the summer months, patients may be coming to you not only
for their allergy medication and sun care, but also for advice and treatment
for infected insect bites that they may have obtained at home or from being
abroad.
As part of the Pharmacy First Service, infected insect bites are one of the
seven common conditions supported by the service and patients aged one
year and over (excluding pregnant individuals under 16 years) are eligible for
treatment through the clinical pathways.

Insect bites and stings can commonly cause redness, pain and swelling
at the site. However, this does not always mean that they have become
infected. Signs of infection include the skin feeling hot to the touch,
spreading redness and swelling, and pustular discharge.

PGD support

Products to supply under PGD for patients who are eligible:
• Clarithromycin 250mg and 500mg tablets

• Clarithromycin oral suspension (or oral solution) 125mg/5mL and
250mg/5mL x 70mL

• Erythromycin tablets (250mg, 250mg GR and 500mg)
• Erythromycin oral suspension (or oral solution) 125mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL
and 500mg/5mL x 100mL
• Flucloxacillin 250mg and 500mg capsules

• Flucloxacillin oral solution (or oral suspension) 125mg/5mL and
250mg/5mL x 100mL

Where POMs won’t work

Where patients may not be eligible for treatment through the service, you
can support them with OTC medications and advice.

It is well worth having an own brand presence in your allergy and travel
space, especially if you’re recommending dual treatments to your
customers. Stocking own brand alternatives alongside the brand leader
not only offers choice to your patients, but also helps them make informed
choices, guided by your colleagues. You can also use this opportunity to
link sell products together such as antihistamines and painkillers for not
just treatment of the bites but also to manage the pain, which in turn will
increase your sales and margin.

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