Last edited: 10-07-2024
Management of stock shortages
Stock shortages will occur periodically due to outside factors and can cause anxiety and may impact on patient care.
Please note the guidance ‘A guide to managing medicines supply and shortages1’ from the Department of Health and Social Care with NHS England and NHS Improvement for both primary and secondary care. This document outlines the national, regional and local management and communication routes for medicines supply issues to ensure continuity of supply and ensure that patients receive the treatment and medication required. These are followed in BNSSG.
In summary, when a medicine is unavailable:
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Where possible an alternate drug from the formulary should be used.
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Where there is no alternate drug on the formulary a non-formulary option may be considered in discussion between primary and secondary care.
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Once the stock shortage has resolved the formulary drug should be reinstated.
The Specialist Pharmacy Service has developed a new Medicines Supply Tool, which can be accessed via the website here. Please note a log in is required to access this tool.
A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) may be issued if the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) decide there is a serious shortage of a specific medicine or appliance. SSP updates are available via the NHS Business Services Authority website here.
References:
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Document Title: A Guide to Managing Medicines Supply and Shortages. Publishing approval number: 000920. November 2019
Supply Shortage of GLP-1 RA Injections
There is an ongoing national shortage of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) used in the management of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). This situation is not expected to resolve until into late 2024. Supplies of some GLP-1 RA preparations may be intermittent or exhausted within this time. An updated MSN has been issued (click here to view) advising that there are now products available which can be used for new initiations and conversions for people with type 2 diabetes unable to obtain their original GLP-1 RA medication. Please refer to the Guidance from the Primary Care Diabetes Society (PCDS) and Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) for information about management of patients who may be affected by this supply issue.
Supply disruptions of medicines used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
There are supply disruptions affecting a wide range of medicines used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The medicines supply notification is available here.
Please see Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Guidance and BNSSG Patient Information Leaflet about methylphenidate
Shortage of salbutamol 2.5mg/2.5ml and 5mg/2.5ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials
Please see Adult and Paediatric Primary and Community Care Guidance for Shortage of Salbutamol Nebuliser Liquid Units
Intermittent Shortages of Creon 10,000 and 25,000 gastro-resistant capsules
There are currently intermittent shortages of Creon 10,000 and 25,000 gastro-resistant capsules across the UK. These shortages are also having an impact on supplies of other dosages and brands of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) as demand for these alternative products grows. In response to this situation, a group of specialist pancreatic cancer dietitians and cystic fibrosis dietitians have developed a Position Statement: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) shortage – advice for the management of adults with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency which provides advice for prescribers and dietitians on what to do if a patient is running low or cannot get PERT.
Please see Specialist Pharmacy Services website for stock updates.
Update for Primary Care
Medicine Supply Notification: Pabrinex® (Vitamins B and C) Intravenous and Intramuscular High Potency solution for injection ampoules
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Pabrinex® (Vitamins B and C) Intravenous and Intramuscular High Potency solution for injection ampoules.
- Pabrinex® Intravenous (IV) injection will be out of stock from August 2024 with a resupply date to be confirmed.
- Pabrinex® Intramuscular (IM) injection is being discontinued, with stock exhaustion expected from December 2024.
Please see the SPS website for more information on this stock shortage.
