The Department of Health and Social Care has said “sufficient” stock of Estradot 75mcg patches is now available to “meet normal demand” while a serious shortage protocol for paracetamol has been extended.

Supplies of Estradot 75mcg patches returned to normal levels after its SSP expired on Friday.

The DHSC also said the SSP for paracetamol 240mg suppository which expired on Friday has been extended until this Friday (May 12) in response to “a significant ongoing disruption to supply.”

Under the SSP, one paracetamol 250mg suppository must be supplied for every paracetamol 240mg suppository originally prescribed.

Meanwhile, the NHS has issued an alert to community pharmacists, GPs and other prescribers working in primary care not to prescribe antiviral medicines including neuraminidase inhibitors for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza on an FP10 prescription form.

It also told community pharmacists not to supply antiviral medicines in primary care on presentation of an FP10 prescription form.