The Department of Health and Social Care has issued warnings about supply issues and announced further serious shortage protocols.

The DHSC said as a result of “significant ongoing” disruptions to the supply of Estradot 75micrograms/24 hours patches, an SSP has been issued. For every one originally prescribed, one Evorel 75 patch must be supplied.

The SSP expires on May 5 and the PSNC said it will update contractors on any changes.

Two SSPs have also been issued for Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml oral suspension. For every 5ml of Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension, 2.5ml of Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension must be supplied and for every 5ml of Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension, one Clarithromycin 250mg tablet must be supplied. Both SSPs will expire on April 28.

Meanwhile, Alfuzosin 10mg modified release tablets will be in “limited supply” until the week beginning May 15. The PSNC said: “Alternative alpha-adrenoceptor blockers licensed for the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and for off-label use in acute urinary retention associated with BPH remain available.”