Pharmacists are being allowed to supply alternative forms of penicillin due to shortages of supply caused by a surge in demand.
The Government has issued Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for three penicillin medicines as from yesterday (Thursday, December 15), which can be utilised by pharmacists if they don’t happen to have the specific formulation stated on the prescription. By law, they can only supply what is on the prescription, but using an SSP allows them to legally supply a specified alternative medicine, removing the need for the patient to return to the prescriber, which is what normally happens.
SSPs are a standard procedure, used frequently to manage temporary and potential medicine supply issues. They are a safe and effective way to ensure that medicines continue to be available for everyone who needs them, while saving time for patients, pharmacists and prescribers.
Demand for penicillin has risen recently as it is used to treat Strep A and Scarlet Fever, and the increased demand means that some pharmacists are experiencing temporary and localised supply issues. There are nine other SSPs currently active and have been used to improve patients’ access to Hormone Replacement Therapy drugs and were used extensively during the pandemic.
Will Quince, the Minister of State for Health, explained the reasoning behind the Government issuing SSPs. He said: “We are taking decisive action to address these temporary issues and improve access to these medicines by continuing to work with manufacturers and wholesalers to speed up deliveries, bring forward stock they have to help ensure it gets to where it’s needed, and boost supply to meet demand as quickly as possible.”
The SSPs apply to the following medicines:
Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution sugar-free
Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml oral solution
Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml oral solution sugar-free
The three versions of penicillin are liquid, sugar-free liquid, and tablet, so if pharmacists do not have the correct formulation in stock, then they are allowed to use an alternative.
The Chief Pharmacist provided guidance to the profession last week, emphasising the importance of prescribers and local pharmacy teams working together to understand availability of antibiotics locally and ordering antibiotics sensibly, so not to put the supply chain under pressure.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
Find recommendations for eating out, attractions and events near you here on our sister website 2Chill
Find recommendations for dog owners and more doggy stories on our sister site Teamdogs
