SSPs issued for Estraderm MX 25mcg & 100mcg patches

SSP035 and SSP036 provides that for every Estraderm MX^® 25mcg or 100mcg patch prescribed, one Evorel^® 25mcg patch or 100mcg patch must be supplied.
Both SSPs, authorised by the Secretary of State, provide pharmacists with procedures to follow in providing either of these suitable alternative products to help reduce the number of patients having to return to their prescriber for a replacement prescription.
Key points

• These protocols do not allow for the quantity supplied to be less than the number of days prescribed on original prescription.
• There are no SSPs in place for Estraderm MX^® 50mcg patches and 75mcg patches – these strengths are not affected by supply disruptions and should continue to be dispensed in accordance with the prescriptions
• The SSPs do not allow pharmacists to double up strengths for example, pharmacists cannot supply 2 x Estraderm MX^®50 patches against a prescription ordering 1 x Estraderm MX^®100 patches.
• Pharmacists must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative products are suitable for the patient.

Pharmacists are required to read and comply with the requirements outlined within the individual SSP as published on the NHSBSA website for SSP035: Estraderm MX^® 25mcg patches and SSP036: Estraderm MX^® 100mcg patches