PCA(P)(2025)01 - Extension to SSP for Cefalexin 125mg/5ml Oral Suspension

Published: 018/02/25

Introduction

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for cefalexin 125mg / 5ml oral suspension sugar free (SSP077) due to expire on 31 January 2025 has been extended until Friday 2 May 2025.

In addition, please note that the UK-wide SSP for cefalexin 250mg / 5ml oral suspension sugar free (SSP078) is not being extended, and expired on 31 January 2025, as scheduled.

Community pharmacists are advised to review and familiarise themselves with the new end dates for the above noted SSPs.

Background

To assist in alleviating current supply issues with medicines availability, various UK-wide SSPs have been issued by the Department of 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.