Introduction Clarithromycin Oral Suspensions SSPs

Effective from 22nd May 2024, SSP053 and SSP054 provides for the following:

• SSP053 – for every 5ml of Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension, 2.5ml of Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension must be supplied
• SSP054 – for every 5ml of Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension, one Clarithromycin 250mg tablet must be supplied

Key points relating to SSP053 and SSP054

• These SSPs do not allow for the quantity supplied to be less than the number of days prescribed on original prescription.
• The supervising pharmacist should ensure that the patient’s prescriber is notified when supplying a patient in accordance with these SSPs
• For endorsing requirements please refer to NHSBSA’s supporting guidance for SSP053 and SSP054 respectively.

Pharmacists must exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative products are suitable for the patient.

Reimbursement

Reimbursement is for the medicine supplied in accordance with the SSP and not the originally prescribed medicine i.e. in this instance pharmacy owners will be reimbursed the reimbursement price for either Clarithromycin 250mg/5ml oral suspension or Clarithromycin 250mg tablet. The reimbursement price will account for VAT payment. Supply in accordance with the SSP will result in the following fees being paid to the pharmacy owner:

• One Single Activity fee (currently £1.27)
• One SSP fee (£5.35)