Published: 04/03/25

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Estradot® (Estradiol) 50 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch (SSP079), a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, due to expire on 28 February 2025 has been extended until Friday 21 March 2025.

In addition, please note that the UK-wide SSPs for Estradot® (Estradiol) 75 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch (SSP080) and Estradot® (Estradiol) 100 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch (SSP081) have also been extended, where the new expired date for both SSPs is now being the Friday 14 March 2025.

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.