Co-phenylcaine Forte spray: innovative ways of minimising cost

To investigate whether multiple-use Co-phenylcaine Forte® spray was more cost-effective than single-use vials.

A literature review was conducted to determine the risk of cross-contamination associated with multiple-use topical nasal anaesthetic spray. The costs of multiple-use Co-phenylcaine Forte and single-use co-phenylcaine were compared, and potential savings were calculated. The cost of procuring these drugs from other sources was also examined.

Switching to multiple-use Co-phenylcaine Forte spray would lead to at least 40 per cent savings if bought from our local retailer. Potential savings of more than 70 per cent could be made if the drugs were procured from sources other than our local distributor.

Multiple-use Co-phenylcaine Forte spray is safe to use and more cost-effective than single-use vials. This paper illustrates how money can be saved within the National Health Service through changes in drug procurement. Similar cost savings to those calculated for our department could be made in other ENT departments nationally, depending on their annual consumption of co-phenylcaine.