The Department of Health and Social Care has extended the serious shortage protocol for Competact 15mg/850mg tablets until May 14.

The SSP for the anti-diabetic drug was due to expire on Friday but will be available for another seven days after the DHSC intervened.

The PSNC said that as part of the SSP, for each Competact 15mg/850mg tablet prescribed, one Pioglitazone 15mg tablet and one Metformin 850mg tablet “must be supplied."

“The pharmacist must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative products are suitable for the patient,” the PSNC said.