In February 2019, the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 were amended to introduce Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs).
Further changes will come into operation on 31 October 2019 in The Pharmaceutical Services (Amendments Relating to Serious Shortage Protocols) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019.
An SSP enables community pharmacists to supply a specified medicine in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription and without the need to seek authorisation from the prescriber. An SSP would only be used in the case of a serious shortage if it is considered that it would help manage the supply situation.
Further information on SSPs will be made available on this page.
Last updated: 2nd October 2026
Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors NI : Reminder 18th December 2024
Letter from CPO – Creon 25,000 gastro-resistant capsule extension 2nd October 2026
Letter from CPO – Estradot 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg Patches extensions 2nd October 2026
Letter from CPO – Lansoprazole 15mg and 30mg orodispersible tablets 9th September 2026
Letter from CPO – Ramipril 1.25mg capsules – SSP Extension 23rd July 2026
SSP089 – Lansoprazole 30mg orodispersible tablets 9th September 2026
SSP088 – Lansoprazole 15mg orodispersible tablets 9th September 2026
SSP087 – Ramipril 1.25mg capsules Now extended to 30th October 2026
SSP082 – Estradot 25mcg patches Now extended to 8th January 2027
SSP079 – Estradot 50mcg patches Now extended to 8th January 2027
SSP080 – Estradot 75mcg patches Now extended to 8th January 2027
SSP081 – Estradot 100mcg patches Now extended to 8th January 2027
SSP061 – Creon 25000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024 – Now extended to 8th January 2027