Published: 24/10/24

Purpose

This Circular advises NHS Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for isosorbide mononitrate (Monomax® XL) 60mg modified release tablet due to expire on 18 October 2024 has been extended until Friday 15 November 2024. 

The extension is applicable to SSP074 which allows community pharmacists to substitute a prescription of the noted product with the same quantity but different brand of isosorbide mononitrate 60mg modified release tablet. 

Community Pharmacists are advised to review and familiarise themselves with the new end date for this SSP. 

Background

To assist in alleviating current supply issues with medicines availability, various UK-wide SSPs have been issued by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), in consultation with the Scottish Government. An SSP is an additional tool to manage and mitigate medication shortages for prescribing clinicians, community pharmacies and importantly patients. 

Each SSP is individually developed and authorised clinically, to enable community pharmacists and dispensing doctors to dispense a different strength or formulation or alternative medicine or appliances in accordance with the protocol, rather than having to refer prescribing decisions back to the original prescriber. These protocols are time limited. 

Community pharmacists are expected to use their professional skill and judgement to decide whether it is reasonable and appropriate to substitute a person's prescribed medicine using the SSP. The person will also have to agree to the alternative supply. 

The DHSC frequently reviews which medicines should be under an SSP and for how long they need to be in place. 

Any amendments or extensions to existing SSPs are documented on the NHS Business Services Authority website using the following link: Serious shortage protocols (SSPs) | NHSBSA. 

Enquiries

For any queries on the details of this circular, please contact the Scottish Government Pharmacy Team at PharmacyTeam@gov.scot. 

Actions

Health Boards are asked to note the contents of this Circular and to bring it to the attention of community pharmacy contractors on their Pharmaceutical Lists and Area Pharmaceutical Committees. This Circular should also be brought to the attention of General Practices.