The use of Special-Order products in England between 2012 and 2020: An insight into the need for Point-of-Care manufacturing.

Point-of-care manufacturing such as 3D printing has recently received significant attention from regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical industry. However, little information is available on the quantity of the most prescribed patient-specific items, their dosage form, and why they were required to be dispensed. In England, 'Specials' are unlicensed medicines formulated to meet the requirements of a specific prescription, prescribed if no suitable licensed alternative exists.