SSPs issued for Fluoxetine
This October, the government has agreed a serious shortage protocol (SSP) for the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant Fluoxetine, in an effort to cope with shortages.
This is the first time pharmacists can dispense an alternative to the prescribed medication without contacting a GP under an SSP.
If the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) decide there is a serious shortage of a specific medicine or appliance, then an SSP may be issued.
The contractor must use their professional skill and judgement to decide, alongside medical experts, whether it's reasonable and appropriate to substitute the patient's prescribed order for the active SSP. The patient would also have to agree to the alternative supply for that dispensing month.
DHSC has agreed the October serious shortage protocols for the following items:
Updated supporting guidance for these protocols will be published online via the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website.
Contact Information
Kate Blush
Senior Media and Campaigns Officer
NHS Business Services Authority
Notes to editors
About the NHS Business Services Authority
The NHS Business Services Authority is a Special Health Authority and an Arm’s Length Body of the Department of Health and Social Care which provides a range of critical central services to NHS organisations, NHS contractors, patients and the public. Its purpose is to be a catalyst for better health and its vision is to be the delivery partner of choice for the NHS. For more information about the NHSBSA, please visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk