SSP042 Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have issued a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution in response to a significant ongoing supply disruption due to the increase in Strep A infections.
The SSP will enable community pharmacies in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to supply patients with a different formulation as per the document below.
It allows pharmacies to supply either
- 2x 5ml Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution
- 2x 5ml Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution sugar free
- 1x Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg tablet
as a replacement for 1x 5ml Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution, if unobtainable. The total quantity supplied in accordance with this protocol is to be equivalent to the number of days supplied on the original prescription.
The pharmacist must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative product is suitable for the patient. When the medicine is for a child and the pharmacist deems it appropriate to substitute to the tablet form in accordance with this SSP, patients/carers should be directed to the following guidance: Using solid oral dosage form antibiotics in children – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service. Please note that use in this way may be outside the product licence.
SSP042 for Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution will be in operation from Thursday 15th December 2022 to Friday 31st March 2023 (UPDATED EXPIRY DATE)
Please note that the SSP may be amended or revoked at any time, so contractors must ensure that the SSP is still valid before each supply.