Update (06/10/2020): Resupply now expected late October 2020

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Sterculia (Normacol) 62% w/w granules, Sterculia & Frangula Bark (Normacol Plus) 62%/8% w/w granules

Normacol and Normacol Plus granules are out of stock until 13th September 2020.

Unlicensed imports of Sterculia 62% w/w granules and Sterculia 62% w/w with Frangula Bark 8% w/w can be sourced.

UKMI have provided clinical advice on switching to alternative preparations.

• The following specialist importers have confirmed they can source unlicensed sterculia granules and sterculia granules/frangula bark granules (please note there may be other companies that can also source supplies):

There is currently no listing on dm+d for the imported product for prescribers to select using their prescribing systems so an EPS prescription for unlicensed Sterculia granules cannot be issued. Where a prescriber wishes to prescribe an unlicensed import, an FP10 paper prescription should be issued as Normacol/ Normacol Plus/ Normafibre or Sterculia granules/Frangula Bark (Special Order)‘ and endorsed by the pharmacy as a non-Part VIIIB special with the following information:

• Amount dispensed over pack size used;
• Invoice price per pack size from which the order was supplied less any discount or rebate;
• Manufacturers’/importers’ MHRA licence number;
• Batch number of the product supplied;
• SP

The DHSC Medicine Supply Team provide a monthly update on potential supply issues affecting both primary and secondary care. This update is uploaded on the Specialist Pharmacy Services (SPS) website. To register, you will need  an NHS email address. Once set up and logged in, you will be able to access it online.

New shortages not listed on the SPS website, can be reported using our shortage reporting tool.