Serious Shortage Protocols for Cefalexin

 We are writing to inform you that Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) have been issued today for Cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free and 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free, which are currently in short supply.

 The SSPs will allow pharmacists to substitute the sugar containing equivalent strength preparation of Cefalexin oral suspension.

 The SSPs came into effect on 10 December and are currently scheduled to end on 31 January 2025.

 The SSPs are now available to view onthe NHS Business Service Authority (BSA)’s dedicated SSP web page along with supporting endorsement guidance.

 If you have any questions regarding the SSPs please contact the NHS Prescription Service:

 Email: nhsbsa.prescriptionservices@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

Telephone: 0300 330 1349

Textphone: 18001 0300 330 1349

To access the latest information about SSPs (including supporting guidance), please visit the following link – https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/serious-shortage-protocols-ssps.”