Shortage protocols for Estradot patches extended to December

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has extended the Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for four strengths of Estradot patches to from 10 October to 5 December 2025.

The affected SSPs are:

• SSP079 for Estradot 50 micrograms/24hours patches
• SSP080 for Estradot 75 micrograms/24hours patches
• SSP081 for Estradot 100 micrograms/24hours patches
• SSP082 for Estradot 25 micrograms/24hours patches

Each protocol allows substitution with either Evorel or Estraderm MX patches of the corresponding strength.

Pharmacists have been advised that they must supply the full quantity prescribed and use their professional judgement to assess suitability of the alternatives.

If substitution is not appropriate, the patient should be referred back to their prescriber. Prescribers must also be notified when a supply is made under an SSP.

Pharmacy teams have also been reminded that that reimbursement is for the alternative medicine supplied, not the originally prescribed product.

Each SSP claim attracts a Single Activity Fee (currently £1.27) and an SSP fee of £5.35, and products supplied under an SSP are zero-rated for VAT purposes.

Community Pharmacy England has warned that a high number of EPS SSP claims continue to be rejected due to incorrect endorsements.

Pharmacy owners have been advised to reconcile SSP payments against their FP34C declarations and refer to updated guidance to resolve any discrepancies.