The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has provided an update on the Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Fluoxetine 30mg capsules (SSP07) and Salazopyrin^® EN-Tabs 500mg (SSP08).

SSP07 for Fluoxetine 30mg capsules was previously expected to expire on 22nd December but the end date has been further extended to 8th January 2021.

SSP08 for Salazopyrin^® EN-Tabs 500mg was previously expected to expire on 4th December but the end date has been further extended to 8th January 2021.

Please note: expiry dates of an SSP may be brought forward or extended, and the content may be amended at any time during the life of an SSP. Pharmacists should ensure they are using the latest version of an SSP before considering the supply of an alternative product.

Summary

Reimbursement and remuneration

Reimbursement is for the medicine supplied in accordance with the SSP and not the originally prescribed medicine. The reimbursement price will account for VAT payment. Supply in accordance with the SSP will result in the following fees being paid to the contractor:

• One Single Activity fee (currently £1.27)
• One SSP fee (£5.35)

Support in implementing the SSPs

The following resources have been developed to support pharmacy teams in using these protocols.

Submission of Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) claims using EPS tokens

PSNC Briefing 036/20: Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP): SSP07 – Fluoxetine 30mg capsules

PSNC Briefing 037/20: Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP): SSP08 – Salazopyrin® EN-Tabs 500mg

Current versions of SSPs

Serious Shortage Protocols Operational Guidance

Serious Shortage Protocols Questions & Answers

PSNC’s Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) Endorsing Factsheet

PSNC Briefing 023/19: Serious Shortage Protocols – A guide for community pharmacy teams

Background information on SSPs

Further information on what SSPs are and when they may be used is available via the links below.

Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) on-demand webinar

Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) webpage