Updates to SSPs
Pharmacy contractors should note a number of changes that have been made to different SSPs.
SSP036 for Estraderm MX® 100mcg patches has been reactivated and is currently set to expire on 13th January 2023. SSP036 allows pharmacists to supply Evorel® 100mcg patches instead of Estraderm MX® 100mcg patches.
SSP032 for Lipitor® 10mg chewable tablets has been reactivated and is currently set to expire on 3rd February 2023. SSP032 allows pharmacists to supply Atorvastatin 10mg tablets OR Atorvastatin 20mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free instead of Lipitor® 10mg chewable tablets.
SSP039 for Lipitor® 20mg chewable tablets has been extended to 3rd February 2023. It was previously set to expire on 23rd December 2022.
SSP043 – SSP047 were amended on 23rd December 2022 to include oral Azithromycin as an alternative antibiotic to Penicillin V:
- Azithromycin 200mg/5ml oral suspension
- Azithromycin 250mg tablets
- Azithromycin 500mg tablets
- Azithromycin 250mg capsules
Pharmacists should ensure they are looking at the latest version of the SSP and endorsement guidance on the NHSBSA website.
Contractors will receive an email to their shared NHSmail account informing them of these changes and pharmacy teams are advised to read the documentation in full and to implement the protocols with immediate effect. Pharmacists are required to read and comply with the requirements outlined within the individual SSP as published on the NHSBSA website.
Support in implementing the SSPs
The following resources have been developed to support pharmacy teams in using these protocols.
PSNC’s Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) Endorsing Factsheet
PSNC Briefing 023/19: Serious Shortage Protocols – A guide for community pharmacy teams
Serious Shortage Protocols Operational Guidance
Serious Shortage Protocols Questions & Answers
Background information on SSPs
Further information on what SSPs are and when they may be used is available via the links below.
