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: 1st August 2025
Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors NI : Reminder 18th December 2024
Letter from CPO – Cefalexin 125mg 5ml and 250mg 5ml oral – SSP Extensions 31st July 2025
Letter from Prof Cathy Harrison CPO – Venlafaxine 37.5mg MR tablet – SSP Withdrawal 23rd July 2025
Letter from CPO – Estradot 25mcg and 50mcg Patches – SSP Extensions 2nd July 2025
Letter from Prof Cathy Harrison CPO – Estradot 75mcg and 100mcg Patches 6th June 2025
Letter from Prof Cathy Harrison CPO – Creon 10,000 and 25,000 Gastro-Resistant 23rd May 2025
SSP078 – Cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free Now extended until 26th September 2025
SSP077 – Cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension Now extended to 26th September 2025
SSP082 – Estradot 25mcg patches Now extended to 10th October 2025
SSP079 – Estradot 50mcg patches 19th December 2024 – Now extended to 10th October 2025
SSP080 – Estradot 75mcg patches 19th December 2024 – Now extended to 10th October 2025
SSP081 – Estradot 100mcg patches 19th December 2024- Now extended to 10th October 2025
SSP061 – Creon 25000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024 – Now extended to 21st November 2025
SSP060 – Creon 10000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024 – Now extended to 21st November 2025