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. 

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.

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, 

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.

SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches now end 10 Oct 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel® or Estraderm MX® to manage supply issues.

A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP 083) is in effect from 23 June to 1 August 2025 for venlafaxine 37.5mg MR tablets, allowing substitution with capsules. Learn how pharmacists should manage this temporary supply issue.

SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches extended to 10 Oct 2025. Community pharmacy contractors are advised to note the updated expiry date.

SSPs for Estradot® and Creon® extended. Pharmacists advised of new expiry dates: 6 June 2025 for Estradot®, 21 Nov 2025 for Creon® capsules.

This Circular advises 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.

Please find attached NHS PCA(P)(2025)05 circular advising of a new Serious Shortage Protocol in place for Estradot^® (Estradiol) 25 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch until Friday 2 May 2025.

Please find attached NHS circular PCA(P)(2025) 04 - Extension to Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Estradot (estradiol) 50, 75 and 100mcg patches, advising that the SSPs for the noted Estradot (estradiol) products have been extended until Friday 2 May 2025.

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot® (Estradiol) 50 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch (SSP079), a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, due to expire on 21 March 2025 has been extended until Friday 4 April 2025.

This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for cefalexin 125mg / 5ml oral suspension sugar free due to expire on 31 January 2025 has been extended until Friday 2 May 2025.