The SSP, announced on March 12, was set to expire on June 12. However, the protocol has been extended and will now end on September 11, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) said yesterday (June 2).

Under the protocol, pharmacists are able to supply fluoxetine 10mg capsules against prescriptions for fluoxetine 10mg tablets.

The SSP was “put in place to manage stock”, and to “try to ensure that fewer patients have to return to their prescriber”, the PSNC explained.

The SSP expiry date “may be brought forward or extended, and the content may be amended throughout this period,” so pharmacists should “ensure they are using the current version of an SSP before supplying an alternative product,” it added.

“The pharmacist must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative product is suitable for the patient,” the PSNC said.