Advice on handling medicines supply issues
The Specialist Pharmacy Service has a Medicines Supply Tool with the latest information on supply issues, actions to take, alternatives to use, and expected resolution dates. The content provided by Department of Health and Social Care(DHSC) and the Medicines Value and Access (MVA) team at NHS England.
The NHS Business Authority issues updates on the Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) which help pharmacies to manage any serious shortages of medicines that may occur, without needing to refer patients back to prescribers. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) decide there is a serious shortage of a specific medicine or appliance, then an SSP may be issued.
Please find further information about specific medicines in the Medicines Supply Problems section on the Medicines Optimisation homepage.
Teratogenic Medicines Safety Improvement
Valproate
Topiramate
Isotretinoin