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: 20th December 2024
Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors NI : Reminder 18th December 2024
Letter from CPO – Estradot patches 19th December 2024
SSP079 – Estradot 50mcg patches 19th December 2024
SSP080 – Estradot 75mcg patches 19th December 2024
SSP081 – Estradot 100mcg patches 19th December 2024
Letter from CPO – Cefalexin oral suspensions sugar free 10th December 2024
SSP077 – Cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension 10th December 2024
SSP078 – Cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension 10th December 2024
Letter from CPO – Creon 10000 and 25000 gastro-resistant capsules 15th November 2024
Letter from Prof Cathy Harrison CPO – Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monomax XL 60mg) Modified Release Tablets – SSP extension 18th October 2024
Letter from Prof Cathy Harrison CPO – SSP- Isosorbide Mononitrate 60mg Preparations 10th September 2024
SSP075 – Isosorbide mononitrate (Monomil® XL 60mg) modified-release tablet 6th September 2024
SSP061 – Creon 25000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024 – Now extended to 23rd May 2025
SSP060 – Creon 10000 gastro-resistant capsules 24th May 2024 – Now extended to 23rd May 2025