PCA(P)(2026)02 - Withdrawal of the Serious Shortage Protocols for Adipine XL

Published: 22nd January 2026

Withdrawal of the Serious Shortage Protocols for Adipine XL modified-release tablets and Fixapost preservative-free eye drops

Purpose:

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for Adipine® XL modified-release tablets, and Fixapost® preservative-free eye drops, originally due to expire on 6 February 2026, will now be withdrawn early. These three SSPs will end on Friday 23 January 2026. 

This early withdrawal applies to the following SSPs: 

• SSP 084: : Nifedipine (Adipine® XL) 30mg modified-release tablets 

• SSP 085: Nifedipine (Adipine® XL) 60mg modified-release tablets 

• SSP086: Latanoprost 50 micrograms/ml / timolol 5mg/ml (Fixapost®) preservative-free eye drops, 0.2ml unit dose 

The SSPs are being withdrawn due to an improvement in the supply position for the affected products. Community pharmacists are advised to review and familiarise themselves with the revised end dates for the above SSPs. 

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Background

To assist in alleviating current supply issues with medicines availability, various UK-wide SSPs have been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), in consultation with the Scottish Government. An SSP is an additional tool to manage and mitigate medication shortages for prescribing clinicians, community pharmacies and importantly patients. 

Each SSP is individually developed and authorised clinically, to enable community pharmacists and dispensing doctors to dispense a different strength or formulation or alternative medicine or appliances in accordance with the protocol, rather than having to refer prescribing decisions back to the original prescriber. These protocols are time limited. 

Community pharmacists are expected to use their professional skill and judgement to decide whether it is reasonable and appropriate to substitute a person's prescribed medicine using the SSP. The person will also have to agree to the alternative supply. 

The DHSC frequently reviews which medicines should be under an SSP and for how long they need to be in place. 

Any amendments or extensions to existing SSPs are documented on the NHS Business Services Authority website using the following link: Serious shortage protocols (SSPs) | NHSBSA. 

Enquiries

For any queries on the details of this circular, please contact the Scottish Government Pharmacy Team at: PharmacyTeam@gov.scot.

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