The Department of Health and Social Care has issued serious shortage protocols for Lipitor 10mg and 20mg chewable tablets.

The SSPs were issued after what the PSNC described as “a significant ongoing disruption” to their supply. The SSPs for Lipitor 10mg and 20mg expire on February 25 and March 11 respectively and the PSNC said it would keep contractors updated on any changes.

The negotiator said that for each Lipitor 10mg and 20mg chewable tablet that is normally prescribed, one Atorvastatin 10mg or 20mg tablet should be supplied under the SSPs.

The PSNC also urged pharmacists to ensure patients’ prescribers are notified when they are supplying under these SSPs and refer back to the prescriber if they believe a non-chewable atorvastatin tablet is inappropriate for the patient.