PCA(P)(2026)14-15 - SSP: Lansoprazole 15mg and 30mg Orodispersible Tablets

Published: 14th September 2026

Purpose

Please find below the NHS Circulars PCA(P)(2026)14 and PCA(P)(2026)15, advising that Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) are in place to help mitigate supply issues affecting lansoprazole 15mg and 30mg orodispersible tablets.

• PCA(P)(2026)14 – Lansoprazole 15mg orodispersible tablets

• PCA(P)(2026)15 – Lansoprazole 30mg orodispersible tablets

The circulars will be published on the NHS Scotland Publications website.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What do these SSPs actually allow me to do?

  SSP 088 (lansoprazole 15mg orodispersible tablets) and SSP 089 (lansoprazole 30mg orodispersible tablets) are both in place from 9 September 2026 to 15 January 2027. Each allows you to limit the total quantity supplied to the equivalent of one month's supply where the prescription is for a longer duration. That is the full extent of it: the SSP does not allow you to supply a different product. If you think an alternative would suit the patient better, contact the prescriber with the patient's consent or direct the patient back to them. Both NHS and private prescriptions are in scope, and the SSPs apply to cross-border prescriptions, so patients from any UK nation presenting a prescription are eligible.

• What if the prescription is already for a month or less?

  Supply the full amount prescribed if you have it. If you cannot supply the full amount, refer the patient to a pharmacy that holds enough stock or back to their prescriber. Where you do supply under the SSP, advise the patient to contact their prescriber or GP practice to reorder in good time. Pharmacists are expected to use professional skill and judgement on whether the SSP is reasonable and appropriate in each case, and the patient has to agree to the supply.

• How do I endorse and get paid?

  Use the Other endorsement function and quote the relevant reference: SSP 088 for the 15mg strength, SSP 089 for the 30mg. Contractors receive a multiplier per item of 5 (x5) via the dispensing pool for any necessary supply made in accordance with an SSP, and endorsements must be made in line with the SSP to be eligible for payment. For paper forms, endorse PMR with details of what was supplied and annotate 'SSP 088' or 'SSP 089' as appropriate, which ensures accurate reimbursement on non-barcoded forms or where an electronic claim message is unavailable.

• What if the patient refuses the SSP supply?

  Use your professional judgement on whether another course of action is appropriate, taking wider supply issues into account. If that does not resolve their concerns, refer them back to their prescriber for advice. Where you have concluded that dispensing under the SSP is reasonable and appropriate but the patient continues to refuse, you may advise them that you will dispense in accordance with the SSP or not at all, if that is in line with your professional judgement. The patient retains the right to accept your decision or to ask for the prescription to be returned to them.