Multiple SSPs for Quetiapine tablets
In response to significant ongoing disruption to the supply of some strengths of Quetiapine tablets, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued nine new Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs)
These SSPs will allow pharmacies to either supply a different strength or a reduced quantity of the same strength or a combination of both.
Substitution with a specific alternative strength or combination of strengths
Where the prescribed duration of treatment is for one month or less and supplies are unavailable, a pharmacist can supply a specific alternative in order of preference, if deemed clinically appropriate.
In accordance with an SSP for a substituted product, if the patient normally pays for their prescriptions, they will still have to pay the usual prescription charge.
Quantity Restriction SSPs
Where a prescription has a duration of more than one month and supplies are available, an equivalent of one month’s supply will be permitted in accordance with the SSP for the prescribed medicine.
In accordance with an SSP for a reduced quantity, if the patient normally pays for their prescriptions, NO prescription charge is payable for the reduced quantity supply.
Quantity Restriction and Substitution SSPs
Where a prescription has a duration of more than one month and supplies are unavailable, the SSPs will allow pharmacists to provide one month’s supply of specific alternative strengths
In accordance with an SSP for a reduced quantity, if the patient normally pays for their prescriptions, NO prescription charge is payable for the reduced quantity supply.
Only one SSP can be used against an individual prescription. Therefore, in each scenario, the pharmacist will need to consider both the pharmacy’s stock levels of different quetiapine strengths and the patient’s circumstances before determining which of the SSPs is most appropriate to use. Depending on the SSP used, the change in supply may require additional counselling to ensure that the patient is confident to take their medication. This information can be found in the individual SSP documents on the NHS BSA website