PCA(P)(2026)03 - Extension To SSPs for Estradot® Transdermal Patches

Published: 30th January 2026

Purpose

This Circular informs Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that four UK‑wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, which were due to expire on 30 January 2026, have been extended until Friday 17 April 2026.

In addition, the UK‑wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Creon® 10000 gastro‑resistant capsules, also due to expire on 30 January 2026, has been extended until Friday 17 April 2026.

The extension for Estradot® patches applies to SSP079 (Estradot® 50 mcg patch), SSP080 (Estradot® 75 mcg patch), SSP081 (Estradot® 100 mcg patch), and SSP082 (Estradot® 25 mcg patch). These protocols allow community pharmacists to substitute prescriptions for the specified Estradot® (estradiol) transdermal patches with the equivalent strength and the same quantity of Evorel® (estradiol) or Estraderm MX® (estradiol) transdermal patches, for eligible patients, in accordance with the requirements of each SSP.

The extension for Creon® capsules applies to SSP060 (Creon® 10000 gastro‑resistant capsules), which allows community pharmacists to restrict the total quantity supplied under the noted SSP to one months’ supply of the prescribed medicine.

All other terms of these five SSPs remain unchanged. Community pharmacists are advised to review and familiarise themselves with the new end date for the SSPs noted above.

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.

Enquiries

For any queries on the details of this circular, please contact the Scottish Government Pharmacy Team at: PharmacyTeam@gov.scot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Which Serious Shortage Protocols for Estradot® patches have been extended?

  SSP079 (50 mcg), SSP080 (75 mcg), SSP081 (100 mcg), and SSP082 (25 mcg) have been extended.

• What is the new expiry date for the extended SSPs?

  All extensions now run until Friday 17 April 2026.

• What substitution is permitted under the Estradot® SSPs?

  Community pharmacists may supply the equivalent strength and quantity of Evorel® or Estraderm MX® patches for eligible patients.

• What does SSP060 for Creon® 10000 allow?

  It allows pharmacists to restrict supply to one month’s supply of the prescribed medicine.

• What must pharmacists consider before supplying under an Serious Shortage Protocol?

  Pharmacists must use professional judgement and ensure the patient agrees to the alternative supply.

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