Serious Shortage Protocols (SSP) have been issued today (3 October) for three forms and strengths of the antidepressant fluoxetine. This means that community pharmacists will be able to supply specified alternative strengths and/or forms to prescriptions for 10mg, 30mg and 40mg capsules.
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA, said: “We have been working closely with the Department of Health over last twelve months to work through the practicalities of applying Serious Shortage Protocols.
“Through the application of these, and any future SSPs, community pharmacists will be able to support their GP colleagues by preventing the need for large numbers of prescriptions to be re-written, as would otherwise be the case.
“We encourage patients who have any concerns about their prescription for fluoxetine to speak with their local pharmacist.”
You can find out more about SSPs on the NHS Business Authority website.