N.I.C.E.
Some medicines are much more expensive than others, and this inevitably affects prescribing.
Shingles can either be left to get better by itself, or the duration of the illness can be shortened by prescribing an anti-viral drug. This costs nearly £100 for a seven day treatment.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E.) decide what medicines can be prescribed on the NHS.
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