PCA(P)(2025)09: SSP Extensions for Estradot Patches and Cefalexin 125mg-5ml

Published: 08/05/25

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the four UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, due to expire on 2 May 2025 have been extended.

The extension is applicable to SSP082 (25mcg strength Estradot® patch), SSP079 (50mcg strength Estradot® patch), SSP080 (75mcg strength Estradot® patch) and SSP081 (100mcg strength Estradot® patch), which allow community pharmacists to substitute a prescription of the noted Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches with the equivalent strength and same quantity of Evorel® (estradiol) transdermal patch or Estraderm MX® (estradiol) transdermal patch, for eligible patients, in accordance with these SSPs.

The new end dates for these SSPs are as follows:

• Friday 23 May for SSP080 (75mcg strength Estradot® patch) and SSP081 (100mcg strength Estradot® patch)

• Friday 4 July 2025 for SSP082 (25mcg strength Estradot® patch), SSP079 (50mcg strength Estradot® patch).

In addition, please note that the UK-wide SSP for cefalexin 125mg/5mL oral suspension sugar free (SSP077) due to expire on 2 May 2025 has also been extended, with the new expired date being the Friday 1 August. This SSP allows pharmacists to substitute the noted cefalexin sugar free product with its non-sugar free equivalent.

Background

To assist in alleviating current supply issues with medicines availability, various UK-wide SSPs have been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), in consultation with the Scottish Government. An SSP is an additional tool to manage and mitigate medication shortages for prescribing clinicians, community pharmacies and importantly patients.

Each SSP is individually developed and authorised clinically, to enable community pharmacists and dispensing doctors to dispense a different strength or formulation or alternative medicine or appliances in accordance with the protocol, rather than having to refer prescribing decisions back to the original prescriber. These protocols are time limited.

Community pharmacists are expected to use their professional skill and judgement to decide whether it is reasonable and appropriate to substitute a person's prescribed medicine using the SSP. The person will also have to agree to the alternative supply.

The DHSC frequently reviews which medicines should be under an SSP and for how long they need to be in place.

Any amendments or extensions to existing SSPs are documented on the NHS Business Services Authority website using the following link: Serious shortage protocols (SSPs) | NHSBSA.