Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, which were due to expire on 10 July 2026, have been extended until Friday 2 October 2026. 

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for ramipril 1.25mg capsules remains in place following an extension to its expiry date. 

Update on Drug Tariff Part 11 clawback scale for community pharmacy contractors in Scotland from April 2026.

A Serious Shortage Protocol is in place for ramipril 1.25mg capsules from 22 April to 29 May 2026. Guidance for community pharmacies.

UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot® patches and Creon® capsules extended to 10 July 2026. Guidance for community pharmacies.

A new national PGD for oral candidiasis is being added to NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Guidance for Health Boards and community pharmacy teams.

Scottish Government circular announcing a new Patient Group Direction for skin inflammation within NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.

UK‑wide Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot patches and Creon 10000 capsules extended to 17 April 2026. Details for pharmacists included.

SSP withdrawal for Adipine® XL modified-release tablets, and Fixapost® preservative-free eye drops, originally due to expire on 6 February 2026, will now be withdrawn early 

SSP extensions for Creon 10000 and 25000 have been issued. Pharmacists must review new end dates and continue limiting supply to one month.

SSP 086 for Latanoprost/Timolol eye drops is active 19 Dec 2025–6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.

SSP 085 for Nifedipine 60mg tablets is active from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Guidance for pharmacists on substitution and patient care.

Serious Shortage Protocol for nifedipine (Adipine® XL) 30mg MR tablets in effect from 19 Dec 2025 to 6 Feb 2026. Full guidance for pharmacists.

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that four UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches, 

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that two UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Creon® gastro-resistant capsules both due to expire on 21 November 2025 have been extended until Friday 16 January 2026. 

The Scottish Government has released circular PCA(P)(2025)24 which details changes to the remuneration of all components of the NHS Pharmacy First (Scotland) service.

SSP for cefalexin oral suspension sugar free products extended to 28 November 2025. Pharmacists should review updated guidance.

SSPs for Estradot HRT patches extended to 5 Dec 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel or Estraderm MX. Review updated guidance.

Serious Shortage Protocols for cefalexin oral suspension sugar free products extended to 24 Oct 2025. Applies to SSP077 and SSP078. Review updated guidance.

Updated PGDs for UTIs and impetigo approved for NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Health Boards to implement locally.