The SSP, announced on May 20, was set to expire yesterday (July 20). However, the protocol has been extended and will now end on August 10, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) said last week (July 16).

Under the protocol, pharmacists will be able to supply an alternative of two fluoxetine 20mg capsules for every fluoxetine 40mg capsule they need to replace.

The reimbursement is “for the medicine supplied in accordance with the SSP and not the originally prescribed medicine”, the PSNC said.

“Supply in accordance with the SSP will result in the following fees being paid to the contractor: one single activity fee (currently £1.27) [and] one SSP fee (£5.35),” it explained.

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