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<p>A Serious Shortage Protocol is an additional tool to manage and mitigate medication
shortages and may be used in the exceptional and rare situation when other measures
have been exhausted or are likely to be ineffective. It can only be issued by Ministers
and would only be introduced in the case of a serious shortage, if it would help manage
the supply situation and if clinicians think it is appropriate, after discussion with
the manufacturer and/or marketing authorisation holder.</p><p> </p><p>Any protocol
would need to set out what alternative quantity, pharmaceutical form, strength, therapeutic
equivalent or generic equivalent can be supplied. Supply in accordance with a protocol
can only be made if the protocol is in date when a prescription is presented for dispensing,
whether that prescription is an acute or a repeat prescription. If appropriate, the
protocol could stipulate that it does not apply to a certain type of prescription.</p>
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