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: 13th September 2024
Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors NI : Reminder 3rd Jan 2023
Letter from Prof Cathy Harrison CPO – SSP- Isosorbide Mononitrate 60mg Preparations 10th September 2024
SSP076 – Isosorbide mononitrate (Nyzamac® SR 60mg) modified-release capsule 6th September 2024
SSP075 – Isosorbide mononitrate (Monomil® XL 60mg) modified-release tablet 6th September 2024
SSP074 – Isosorbide mononitrate (Monomax® XL 60mg) modified-release tablet 6th September 2024
SSP073 – Isosorbide mononitrate (Chemydur® 60XL) modified-release tablet 6th September 2024
Letter from CPO – Cefalexin 500mg tablets 6th August 2024
SSP072 – Cefalexin 500mg tablets 6th August 2024
Letter from CPO – Ramipril 2.5mg tablets 6th August 2024
SSP071 – Ramipril 2.5mg tablets 6th August 2024
Letter from CPO – Creon 10000 and 25000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024
SSP061 – Creon 25000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024
SSP060 – Creon 10000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024