The medication entered category M in August, a month after it came off patent for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Pregabalin prices in the drug tariff currently range from £1.87 for a pack of 56 25mg capsules to £4.17 for a pack of 56 300mg capsules. But contractors told C+D earlier this month they are being forced to pay almost £20 per pack by wholesalers.

Concessionary price of £19.95

The Department of Health (DH) and National Assembly for Wales announced yesterday (August 16) a concessionary price of £19.95 for packs of 84 50mg capsules and for packs of 56 150mg capsules.

PSNC received “hundreds of reports from contractors about the availability and pricing of pregabalin, warning that it is not available at the drug tariff prices”, the negotiator said today.

PSNC director of pharmacy funding Mike Dent told C+D the negotiator is “also pressing the DH for decisions on other strengths, as we know the disruption that late announcements can cause for contractors”.

“PSNC has been concerned about pregabalin for some time, and we had hoped for a more managed transition to category M than we have seen,” Mr Dent added.

“We requested a price concession this month as soon as we were able to, and we are extremely grateful to all contractors who have taken the time to share information with us, as this forms a vital part of our evidence base.”

The latest concessionary prices for August – including pregabalin – are listed below. The month’s previous concessionary prices can be viewed here.