PCA(P)(2025)04 - Extension to SSPs for Estradot (estradiol) 50, 75 and 100mcg Patches

Published: 08/04/25

Introduction

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the three UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, due to expire on 4 April 2025 have been extended until Friday 2 May 2025.  

The extension is applicable to SSP079 (50 micrograms strength Estradot® patch), SSP080 (75 micrograms strength Estradot® patch) and SSP081 (100 micrograms strength Estradot® patch), which allow community pharmacists to substitute a prescription of the noted Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches with the equivalent strength and same quantity of Evorel® (estradiol) transdermal patch or Estraderm MX® (estradiol) transdermal patch, for eligible patients, in accordance with these SSPs. 

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 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. 

Action 

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 their local Area Pharmaceutical Committee. This Circular should also be brought to the attention of General Practices.