Strep A: Pharmacists can supply alternative penicillin, in light of shortages

The government has issued protocols to allow pharmacists to dispense alternative penicillin for treating scarlet fever and group A streptococcal infections in response to current supply issues.Demand for penicillin and amoxicillin has recently increased after a spike in scarlet fever and group A streptococcal infections.Last week it emerged that officials were considering giving pharmacists more prescribing flexibility to combat shortages of antibiotics,1 with some pharmacists experiencing supply problems and not having the specific formulation listed on the prescription.On 15 December the Department of Health and Social Care announced that serious shortage protocols (SSPs) have been issued across the UK for three penicillin drugs. The SSPs apply to:Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250 mg/5 ml oral solution, sugar freePhenoxymethylpenicillin 250 mg/5 ml oral solution, andPhenoxymethylpenicillin 125 mg/5 ml oral solution, sugar free.As a result, pharmacists can now legally supply a specified alternative drug, removing the need for the patient to return to their GP to…
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