The Department of Health and Social Care (DH) has extended a medicine supply notification for sterculia (Normacol) 62% w/w granules, Sterculia and Frangula Bark (Normacol Plus) 62%/8% w/w granules.
Normacol and Normacol Plus granules are expected to back in stock by the end of October.
Unlicensed imports of Sterculia 62% w/w granules and Sterculia 62% w/w with Frangula Bark 8% w/w can be sourced and UKMI have provided clinical advice on switching to alternative preparations.
The following specialist importers have confirmed they can source unlicensed sterculia granules and sterculia granules/frangula bark granules.
| Importer | Product | Container |
| Alium Medical | Normacol | Sachets |
| Durbin PLC | Sterculia granules (Normafibre brand) | Lined box |
| Sterculia granules (Normafibre brand) | Sachet | |
| Sterculia granules/Frangula bark (Generic) | Lined box | |
| Target Healthcare | Normacol Plus | Lined box |
There is currently no listing on dm+d for the imported product for prescribers to select using their prescribing systems so an EPS prescription for unlicensed Sterculia granules cannot be issued.
If a prescriber wishes to prescribe an unlicensed import, an FP10 paper prescription should be issued as Normacol/ Normacol Plus/ Normafibre or Sterculia granules/Frangula Bark (Special Order) and endorsed by the pharmacy as a non-Part VIIIB special.
