Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Fluoxetine 20mg sugar free tablets face supply disruption

The Department of Health and Social Care (DH) has issued a Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) for Olena’s Fluoxetine 20mg dispersible sugar free tablets.

The Fluoxetine 20mg dispersible sugar free tablets will remain unavailable until end of June, whereas stocks of Fluoxetine 20mg capsules and fluoxetine 20mg/5ml oral solution will remain available and can support any uplift in demand, the health regulator said in an update.


The DH has issued another MSN for Dalacin (clindamycin) 2 per cent vaginal cream. The product will remain out of stock until September 6 and alternative topical preparations are available to meet the demand.

The health regulator has also issued a MSN for Diamorphine hydrochloride powder for reconstitution and injection 5mg and 10mg ampoules.

The 5mg injection is expected remain out of stock until late June, whereas 10mg is likely to be available during the first week of next month.

Wockhardt and Accord, the manufacturers of diamorphine 5mg and 10mg injection are experiencing supply difficulties. The 30mg, 100mg, and 500mg strengths are available; however, manufacturers are unable to support an increase in demand on these strengths.

Meanwhile, the DH has confirmed sufficient stock of Estradot 75 microgram patches to meet normal demand.

With the availability sufficient availability of the drug, the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP012) for Estradot 75 microgram patches has expired on June 11. “After this date, any prescriptions for Estradot75 microgram patches must be dispensed in accordance with the prescription, and the SSP012 will no longer be valid for use,” the regulator said in an update to community pharmacy.

More For You

Scottish community pharmacist working in high street pharmacy with supportive environment

The PDA wants investment to reach those who deliver services to patients every day

Pic credit: iStock

Funding boost in Scotland “needs to work for not just pharmacy owners but pharmacists too”, says PDA

An increase in funding for community pharmacies in Scotland needs to lead to a greater focus on supporting pharmacists rather than “simply sustain business models”, according to the Pharmacy Defence Association (PDA).

Earlier this week, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) accepted the Scottish government’s initial financial offer for the 2025/26 fiscal year, securing a guaranteed minimum reimbursement of £120 million for community pharmacies — up from £110 million from 2024/25.

Keep ReadingShow less
Aspire Pharma acquisition boosts access to essential medicines for NHS patients in the UK

The acquisition is expected to further drive the company’s growth.

gettyimages

Aspire acquires UK distribution rights from Tetris

Aspire Pharma Limited, one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialty niche generics companies, has announced the acquisition of UK distribution rights to a number of products from Tetris Pharma, a subsidiary of Arecor Therapeutics.

These include products used in the treatment of bacterial infections—such as injectable and intravenous antibiotics—as well as a medicine indicated for acute myocardial infarction (MI) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Keep ReadingShow less
GP surgery upgrades for annual appointments

The surgeries will have additional space to “see more patients, boost productivity and improve patient care”

Pic credit: iStock

GP surgery upgrades to create 8.3 million more annual appointments

Over 1,000 GP surgeries will have their premises modernised to meet the needs of a further 8.3 million appointments each year, the government has announced.

Backed by a cash injection of over £102 million, the surgeries will have additional space to “see more patients, boost productivity and improve patient care”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wales boosts funding for pharmacy-led UTI and sore throat test services

The sore throat test (STTT) and treat service will be widely available

Pic credit: istock

Welsh pharmacies receive funding boost for clinical services

Two key clinical services will be available in 99 per cent of community pharmacies across Wales after a boost in funding.

The sore throat test (STTT) and treat service and the urinary tract infection (UTI) service have both benefitted from contractual negotiations between the Welsh Government and Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW).

Keep ReadingShow less
Paul Bennett
Paul Bennett, CEO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Paul Bennett, CEO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Pharmacists need to take advantage of independent prescribing pathways, says Bennett

Independent prescribing will be a “significant point” in the history of community pharmacy, according to Royal Pharmaceutical Society chief executive Paul Bennett.

Last month, the RPS announced the launch of a comprehensive new prescribing development programme to support pharmacists across all stages of their prescribing careers.

Keep ReadingShow less