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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.

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