Contractor Notice: SSP011 Competact® 15mg/850mg tablets extended
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has provided an update on the Serious Shortage Protocol SSP011 for Competact® 15mg/850mg tablets.
SSP011 for Competact® 15mg/850mg tablets was previously expected to expire on 7th May 2021 but the end date has been extended to 14th May 2021.
Please note: expiry dates of an SSP may be brought forward or extended, and the content may be amended at any time during the life of an SSP. Pharmacists should ensure they are using the latest version of an SSP before considering the supply of an alternative product.
Summary
| SSP & Product | Current expiry date |
| SSP011 Competact 15mg/850mg tablets | This SSP has been varied – the revised end date for SSP011 is now 14th May 2021 |
Current versions of SSPs can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-andappliance-contractors/serious-shortage-protocols-ssps
Also see Live SSPs
The SSP recommendations
SSP011 provides that for every Competact® 15mg/850mg tablet originally prescribed, one Pioglitazone 15mg tablet and one Metformin 850mg tablet must be supplied:
| For prescriptions (NHS or private) requesting: | Supply permitted under SSP011: |
| Competact® 15mg/850mg tablets (56 tablets) | 1 x Pioglitazone 15mg tablets (56 tablets) AND 1 x Metformin 850mg tablets (56 tablets) |
The pharmacist must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative products are suitable for the patient.
PSNC Briefing 007/21: Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP): SSP011 – Competact® 15mg/850mg tablets
Reimbursement
Reimbursement is for the medicines supplied in accordance with SSP011 and not the originally prescribed medicine i.e. in this instance contractors will be reimbursed the Drug Tariff Part VIIIA reimbursement price for Pioglitazone 15mg tablets and for Metformin 850mg tablets (or any concessionary price granted, where applicable). The reimbursement price will account for VAT payment. Supply in accordance with the SSP will result in the following fees being paid to the contractor:
- Two Single Activity fees (currently £1.27)
- One SSP fee (£5.35)
Support in implementing the SSPs
The following resources have been developed to support pharmacy teams in using these protocols.
Serious Shortage Protocols Operational Guidance
Serious Shortage Protocols Questions & Answers
PSNC’s Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) Endorsing Factsheet
PSNC Briefing 023/19: Serious Shortage Protocols – A guide for community pharmacy teams
Background information on SSPs
Further information on what SSPs are and when they may be used is available via the links below.
Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) on-demand webinar
Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) webpage
