The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence here dated 31 July 2025 relating to the extension of SSP077 and SSP078 (Cefalexin 125mg/ml and 250mg/ml oral suspensions). The letter advises that both SSPs have been extended to Friday 26 September 2025.
BACKGROUND
SSPs made under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 are an additional tool to manage and mitigate medicines shortages.
SSPs enable community pharmacists to supply specified medicines in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription, without needing to seek authorisation from the prescriber – saving time for patients, pharmacists and prescribers.
Pharmacists should refer to the latest versions of the existing SSPs which are now available on the Business Services Organisation dedicated page on its website HERE.
Operational guidance on the implementation of SSPs in Northern Ireland can be found on the BSO website HERE.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Review the letter here dated 31 July 2025, and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the extension of SSP077 and SSP078, and that they are also aware of the specific details relating to these SSPs; and
Note guidance relating to the decision pathways for SSPs; notification of GPs; the need for patient/carer agreement, and action to take when this is not given; professional judgement; and actions regarding unclear quantities.
Contractors are reminded of information issued by BSO ‘Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors’ which can be accessed here.
Contractors should contact their local SPPG office in the first instance should further information be required. CPNI colleagues are also available for assistance.
Kind regards
Mike
SENT ON BEHALF OF PROF MIKE MAWHINNEY Head of Regulatory Affairs
Dear Colleague
The final update of concessionary prices were granted today for July 2025:
Drug
Pack Size
Concessionary Price
Acetazolamide 250mg tablets
112
£60.90
Amiodarone 100mg tablets
28
£2.02
Buprenorphine 8mg sublingual tablets sugar free
7
£5.05
Carbocisteine 250mg/5ml oral solution
300
£4.99
Carbocisteine 375mg capsules
120
£2.75
Erythromycin 250mg gastro-resistant tablets
28
£3.21
Fexofenadine 180mg tablets
30
£2.31
Fluoxetine 40mg capsules
30
£1.93
Ibuprofen 600mg tablets
84
£10.15
Isosorbide mononitrate 40mg tablets
56
£5.10
Ivabradine 2.5mg tablets
56
£30.66
Ivabradine 7.5mg tablets
56
£3.56
Lactulose 3.1-3.7g/5ml oral solution
500
£6.11
Letrozole 2.5mg tablets
28
£3.70
Lofepramine 70mg tablets
56
£25.01
Mercaptopurine 50mg tablets
25
£9.14
Methenamine hippurate 1g tablets
60
£16.86
Methylphenidate 10mg tablets
30
£3.91
Naftidrofuryl 100mg capsules
84
£10.23
Nystatin 100,000units/ml oral suspension
30
£9.70
Oxycodone 5mg/5ml oral solution sugar free
250
£8.89
Oxytetracycline 250mg tablets
28
£6.55
Paracetamol 500mg effervescent tablets
100
£6.11
Pioglitazone 15mg tablets
28
£6.38
Pioglitazone 30mg tablets
28
£5.75
Pioglitazone 45mg tablets
28
£25.25
Pregabalin 20mg/ml oral solution sugar free
473
£47.49
Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets
50
£17.12
Rizatriptan 10mg tablets
3
£7.45
Sitagliptin 100mg tablets
28
£12.19
Trihexyphenidyl 2mg tablets
84
£38.31
Trihexyphenidyl 5mg tablets
84
£51.17
Trimethoprim 200mg tablets
6
£2.01
Trimethoprim 200mg tablets
14
£4.69
Water for injections 10ml ampoules
10
£2.74
Zolmitriptan 5mg/0.1ml nasal spray unit dose
6
£40.15
Concessionary prices will be paid against the usual code, no additional endorsements are needed.
The Department of Health NI has issued correspondence here dated 22 July 2025 relating to the withdrawal of SSP083 (Venlafaxine 37.5mg Modified-Release Tablets). The letter advises that the supply situation regarding the availability of venlafaxine 37.5mg modified release tablets across the UK has now been resolved. SSP083 which was due to expire on Friday 2 August 2025 is now withdrawn and expired as of Tuesday 22 July 2025.
BACKGROUND
SSPs made under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 are an additional tool to manage and mitigate medicines shortages.
SSPs enable community pharmacists to supply specified medicines in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription, without needing to seek authorisation from the prescriber – saving time for patients, pharmacists and prescribers.
Pharmacists should refer to the latest versions of the existing SSPs which are now available on the Business Services Organisation dedicated page on its website HERE.
Operational guidance on the implementation of SSPs in Northern Ireland can be found on the BSO website HERE.
ACTION
Contractors should:
Review the letter here dated 22 July 2025, and ensure that their dispensary teams are aware of the withdrawal of SSP083, and that they are also aware of the specific details relating to these SSPs; and
Note guidance relating to the decision pathways for SSPs; notification of GPs; the need for patient/carer agreement, and action to take when this is not given; professional judgement; and actions regarding unclear quantities.
Contractors are reminded of information issued by BSO ‘Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors’ which can be accessed here.
Contractors should contact their local SPPG office in the first instance should further information be required. CPNI colleagues are also available for assistance.
Kind regards
Mike
SENT ON BEHALF OF PROF MIKE MAWHINNEY Head of Regulatory Affairs
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