The Area Pharmaceutical Committee (APC), which includes representatives from Community Pharmacy Lanarkshire, Primary Care, Education & Training, and the Acute Sector, recently discussed the impact of medicines priced above the drug tariff is having on patients. It was agreed by the APC that Scotland’s existing agreed shortage process should be followed:
This Scottish Shortage Reporter can be used to report problems in obtaining medicines, including generic items in the Scottish Drug Tariff part 7, non-part 7 items and branded medicines. The feedback given via this tracker is sent daily to the relevant department at Scottish Government regarding availability and pricing, it is therefore important all Community Pharmacy teams engage in this process outlined in the Community Pharmacy Scotland & Primary Care Community Pharmacy Group Medicines Shortages Guidance:
- Ensure continuity of care to the patient
- Collect pricing information from your supplier
- Submit information via the CPS Shortage Reporter
The more engagement with the process the better, as this forms part of the evidence that CPS needs when applying for adjusted prices and they are generally successful where the evidence is overwhelming, though there are no guarantees.
As outlined within the guidance, after supplying the medicine, the contractor should keep an eye on the Adjusted Prices App so you can make a judgement as to when you wish to submit the prescription so as to minimise or eliminate any potential loss made. Shortage notification emails are sent twice a month to those who have subscribed to email notifications. To sign up to the Community Pharmacy Shortage notifications please sign up via Community Pharmacy Scotland; Shortage Notification. Adjusted prices, if granted, apply for the whole month – so any prescriptions submitted for pricing at the end of the month will be paid at the adjusted price.
Key Points
- Familiarise and utilise the Medicines Shortages Guidance (scot.nhs.uk)
- CPS negotiate remuneration for cost implications of true shortages. Please remember to notify them here: CPS Shortage Tracker of any shortages you experience.
- Single route supply lines – product only available through one supplier, and NOT in short supply. Please attempt to obtain these products – it may be available from another pharmacy’s suppliers.
- With shortages, please consider rationing amounts to patients to ensure others can gain access to medicines, albeit smaller quantities
- In the event of a shortage, offer advice on what is available when contacting surgery for alternatives.
- Community Pharmacy Scotland provide guidance for contractors managing shortages The Background to Shortages | Community Pharmacy Scotland (cps.scot)
- To keep up to date with current serious supply protocols https://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/