Serious Shortage Protocol published updates for February

Written by admin on Friday 5th February 2021

SSP010 for Levothyroxine 12.5mcg tablets now added to existing four other SSPs currently active

 

In response to significant ongoing disruption to the supply of Levothyroxine 12.5mcg tablets, a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) has been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Introduced with immediate effect SSP010 has been developed by clinicians and provides pharmacists with procedures to follow in providing a suitable alternative product, one Levothyroxine 25mcg tablet to be taken on alternate days in response to the serious shortage affecting the 12.5mcg tablets. It has been authorised by the Secretary of State to help manage the supply of this product and to try to ensure that fewer patients have to return to their prescriber.

Actions required:

Community pharmacy contractors and their teams are asked to read the SSP documentation in full and to implement the protocol with immediate effect. Note, the SSP may be amended or revoked at any time, but currently expires on Friday 5th March 2021 – PSNC will update contractors on any changes.

The pharmacist must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative product is suitable for the patient.

Reimbursement is for the medicine supplied in accordance with SSP10 and not the originally prescribed medicine i.e. in this instance contractors will be reimbursed the Drug Tariff Part VIIIA reimbursement price for the Levothyroxine 25mcg tablets (or any concessionary price granted, where applicable). The reimbursement price will account for VAT payment. Supply in accordance with the SSP will result in the following fees being paid to the contractor:

  • One Single Activity fee (currently £1.27)
  • One SSP fee (£5.35)
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