PCA(P)(2026)10 - Extension to SSP: Estradot Patches and Creon Gastro‑resistant Capsules
Published: 16th July 2026
Purpose
This Circular informs 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, which were due to expire on 10 July 2026, have been extended until Friday 2 October 2026.
The extension for Estradot® transdermal patches applies to SSP079 (Estradot® 50 mcg), SSP080 (Estradot® 75 mcg), SSP081 (Estradot® 100 mcg), and SSP082 (Estradot® 25mcg). 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.
In addition, the two UK‑wide SSPs for Creon® gastro‑resistant capsules, also due to expire on 10 July 2026, have also been extended.
The extension for Creon® gastro‑resistant capsules, applies to SSP060 (Creon® 10000), which has been extended until Friday 7 August 2026 and SSP061 (Creon® 25000), which has been extended until Friday 2 October 2026. Both SSPs allow community pharmacists to restrict the total quantity supplied under the relevant SSP to one month’s supply of the prescribed medicine.
All other terms of these six SSPs remain unchanged. Community pharmacists are advised to review and familiarise themselves with the new end date for the SSPs noted above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Estradot Patches and Creon Gastro‑resistant Capsules
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Extended until Friday 2 October 2026
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.