Government issues first 'serious shortage' warning over antidepressant drug Prozac
But they say the short supply of Prozac is nothing to do with Brexit
Joel CooperChief Reporter
A "serious shortage" of the antidepressant drug Prozac has prompted a warning protocol to be issued by the Government.
The drug, also known as Fluoxetine, is in short supply following manufacturing issues.
There is a specific shortage of fluoxetine 10mg, 30mg and 40mg capsules.
It has been estimated that some of these stocks will not be available until early December 2019, forcing the Government to issue the first serious shortage protocols (SSP).
The drug remains available in other forms, including syrup.
This protocol was issued on October 3, 2019, and allows pharmacists to supply alternative strengths or pharmaceutical forms of fluoxetine without having to consult a patient's prescriber.
However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) were keen to stress that the issue was not related to Brexit.
Legislation came into force on 1 July 2019 that introduced a pharmacist's ability to dispense against a protocol instead of a prescription, without going back to the prescriber first, as a measure to combat medicines shortages.
Grand Designs: Heartbreak as Devon lighthouse owner reveals he will never be able to live in his dream house
This protocol was drawn up by a team of senior pharmacists and doctors, including Keith Ridge, the chief pharmaceutical officer for England.
The SSPs will remain in place for as long as manufacturing issues mean the drug is in short supply, to help alleviate pressure on the supply chain.
Sandra Gidley, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: "If a pharmacist can sort out a patient's requirements from existing stock it will save a lot of time and this can only be good news for patients."
Dangerous dishwashers recalled due t...
Poundstretcher removes fruit juice f...
IKEA recalls thousands of baby bibs ...
Product recall rights explained by e...
Supermarket recalls as Lidl, Aldi, S...
Epic Primark Christmas typo fail lea...
The government has also announced restrictions on exporting of 19 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products to tackle shortages.
Several HRT products manufactured by Resource Medical, Themex and Mylan will soon be out of stock, with some not expected to be available until mid-2020.
The restrictions will also prevent medicine wholesalers from parallel exporting — where companies buy medicines meant for UK patients and sell on for a higher price in another country.
Dying man marries love of his life in beautiful wedding ceremony donated by friends and well-wishers
Sandra Gidley added: "These shortage problems have been in existence for more than ten years.
"Although they are worse now than ever, the prime consideration must be patients — anything the government can do to ensure they get their medicines is welcomed."
Exporting restrictions have also been brought in for a further five medicines, including all adrenaline auto-injectors and hepatitis B vaccines, which have also been in short supply.