The serious shortage protocol for Levothyroxine 12.5mcg tablets has been extended until April 1, the Department of Health and Social Care has announced.

The SSP was due to expire today and the PSNC urged pharmacists to “exercise their professional judgement” when deciding if the “alternative product is suitable for the patient.”

“(The SSP) provides that for every two Levothyroxine 12.5 mcg tablets originally prescribed, one Levothyroxine 25 microgram tablet must be supplied with the dosage amended to one 25mcg tablet to be taken on alternate days,” the PSNC said.

Meanwhile, the negotiator said voriconazole 40mg/ml powder for oral suspension will be out of stock “until late April 2021” although 50mg, 100mg and 200mg tablets are available.

“Patients in primary care with insufficient supply who need continued treatment should be referred back to secondary care for review,” the PSNC said, adding that “unlicensed supplies of voriconazole 40mg/ml oral suspension can be sourced through Durbin PLC, Mawdsley’s Unlicensed, Smartway Pharma and UL Global Pharma.

Pioglitazone 15mg/metformin 850mg tablets (Competact) are also out of stock until early May.