Pharmacists can supply alternative to levothyroxine 12.5mcg tablets
The Department of Health and Social Care has issued a new serious shortage protocol to address the “significant ongoing disruption” in supply of levothyroxine 12.5mcg tablets.
The SSP – which was introduced with “immediate effect” on Wednesday (February 3) – advises pharmacists that they can supply one levothyroxine 25mcg tablet, to be taken on alternate days, when presented with a prescription for levothyroxine 12.5mcg tablets.
The SSP is set to expire on March 5, but “may be amended or revoked at any time”, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) said.
Under the SSP, contractors will be reimbursed the drug tariff part VIIIA price for the levothyroxine 25mcg tablets, “or any concessionary price granted, where applicable”, the negotiator explained.
The reimbursement price will account for VAT payment and supply in accordance with the SSP will result in the contractors being paid one “single activity fee”, currently at £1.27, and “one SSP fee”, currently at £5.35, PSNC added.
Read the SSP in full and the accompanying operational guidance on the NHS Business Services Authority's website.
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