Extension to Progynova® TS 100mcg/24hr patches (SSP052)
Update 09/06/23 – The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has provided an update on the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Progynova® TS 100micrograms/24hours transdermal patches (SSP052) was due to expire 9 June 2023 but has been further extended to Friday 8 September 2023.
In response to a significant ongoing disruption to the supply of Progynova® TS 100micrograms/24hours transdermal patches, a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) has been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Effective today, 28 March 2023, SSP052 provides that for every Progynova® TS 100micrograms/24hours transdermal patch originally prescribed, one FemSeven® 100 patch must be supplied. SSP052, authorised by the Secretary of State, has been developed by clinicians and provides pharmacists with procedures to follow in providing this suitable alternative product to help reduce the number of patients having to return to their prescriber for a replacement prescription.
| For prescriptions (NHS or private) requesting: | Supply permitted under SSP052: |
| Progynova® TS 100micrograms/24hours transdermal patches | FemSeven® 100 patches |
The SSP may be amended or revoked at any time but currently expires on Friday 9 June 2023 – we will update pharmacy owners on any changes.
Key points relating to SSP052
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- This protocol do not allow for the quantity supplied to be less than the number of days prescribed on original prescription.
- There are no SSPs in place for Progynova® TS 50micrograms/24hours transdermal patches – this strength are not affected by supply disruptions and should continue to be dispensed in accordance with the prescriptions
- SSP052 only allows the substitution of Progynova® TS 100micrograms/24hours transdermal patches.
- The SSP does not allow pharmacists to double up strengths for example, pharmacists cannot supply 2 x Progynova® TS 50micrograms/24hours transdermal patches against a prescription ordering 1 x Progynova® TS 100micrograms/24hours transdermal patches.
- Ensure that patients considered unsuitable for inclusion are promptly referred to their prescriber for further advice.
- The supervising pharmacist should ensure that the patient’s prescriber is notified when supplying a patient in accordance with this SSP
- The supervising pharmacist, using their professional judgement determines that swapping the patient to a different brand of a patch would not be suitable for the patient
- For endorsing requirements please refer to NHSBSA’s supporting guidance for SSP052.
Pharmacists must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative products are suitable for the patient.
Pharmacy owners will receive an email to their shared NHSmail account informing them of these SSPs and pharmacy teams are advised to read the documentation for SSP052 in full and to implement the protocol with immediate effect. Pharmacists are required to read and comply with the requirements outlined within the individual SSP as published on the NHSBSA website for SSP052: Progynova® TS 100micrograms/24hours transdermal patches
Reimbursement
Reimbursement is for the medicine supplied in accordance with the SSP and not the originally prescribed medicine i.e. in this instance pharmacy owners will be reimbursed the reimbursement price for FemSeven® 100 patches. The reimbursement price will account for VAT payment. Supply in accordance with the SSP will result in the following fees being paid to the pharmacy owner:
- One Single Activity fee (currently £1.27)
- One SSP fee (£5.35)
Support in implementing the SSP
The following resources have been developed to support pharmacy teams in using these protocols.
Serious Shortage Protocols Operational Guidance
Serious Shortage Protocols Questions & Answers
Our Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) Endorsing Factsheet
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.
