DH extends shortage protocol for fluoxetine 30mg and 40mg to November
The government is extending its serious shortage protocols (SSPs) for fluoxetine 30mg and 40mg capsules beyond tomorrow’s planned end date.
The SSP for fluoxetine 40mg capsules has been extended to November 11, while the protocol for fluoxetine 30mg capsules will continue until November 20, the Department of Health and Social Care (DH) announced this afternoon (October 30).
SSPs for both strengths were supposed to end tomorrow (October 31), but the DH is “varying” their end dates “due to ongoing supply issues with fluoxetine 30mg and 40mg capsules”, it told C+D.
The DH withdrew its SSP for fluoxetine 10mg capsules on October 25, after enough stocks of the 10mg strength were found to be “available to meet normal demand”.
What are the serious shortage protocols?
The SSPs for fluoxetine – the first, and so far only, SSPs to be announced – were issued by the DH on October 3, granting pharmacists the ability to supply an alternative strength or form of fluoxetine 10mg, 30mg or 40mg capsules, without contacting a patient’s GP first.
More information and supporting guidance on SSPs can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority’s website.
How have the fluoxetine shortages affected you?