Useful weblinks & information to support patients and healthcare professionals during the Creon/PERT shortage:

BSW Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) Shortage information and local actions (for Adults):

BSW Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy Guidance

National Patient Safety Alert: Shortage of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy:

https://www.cas.mhra.gov.uk/

 

Position statement from Pancreatic society of Great Britain and Ireland -

Comprehensive clinical guidance and links for patient support helplines Pancreatic Society - position-statement-pert-shortage/ The information in this position statement is not suitable for children. In addition, people with Cystic Fibrosis will be under the care of a specialist centre and where the advice in the position statement is not suitable for people with CF it has been highlighted. Patients with CF should contact their specialist team if they have any concerns.

 

SPS Information and guidance (log in is required to access all information)

 

NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocol

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/serious-shortage-protocols-ssps (see entries for Creon)

Information for BSW Community Pharmacies

Imported Creon Alternative – Pangrol available for BSW Pharmacies - ONLY For use when no UK licensed Creon is available.

Now available to order from wholesaler Oxford Pharmacy Stores (OPS)

 

NB - In the first instance Community Pharmacies MUST try to source UK Creon or signpost patients to a local pharmacy which has stock. UK licensed Creon is released from Viatris to wholesalers three times a month (every 10 days).

Action

If patients are due to run out within the next 10 days and there is no UK licensed Creon available within your locality, consider ordering Pangrol and getting a new prescription to ensure full costs are covered.

Pangrol is an alternative brand to Creon. It is a direct equivalent in strength. NOTE the larger pack size of 200.

 

Pack sizes:

10,000 - 200 (2 X 100 packs banded together)

25,000 – 200 (2 X 100 packs banded together)

 

 

What does the prescription need to say?

A prescription can be issued by the GP practice detailing:

  • Imported Pangrol capsules 10,000/ 25,000* (delete as appropriate)
  • Special Order
  • Normal dosage for patient
  • Quantity

When dispensing please print and include a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL):

 

Endorsing the Prescription (as a non-Part VIIIB special)

Make sure any Pangrol scripts are endorsed with the following information:

  • Amount dispensed over pack size (200) used.
  • Invoice price per pack size from which the order was supplied less any discount or rebate.
    • Delivery cost is included in price from OPS.
  • Manufacturers’/importers’ (Target Healthcare) MHRA licence number which is - MS43086/ WDA(H)43086
  • Batch number of the product supplied.
  • SP

 

Where can I order from?

Ringfenced stock for BSW Pharmacies can be ordered from the Oxford Pharmacy Store (OPS). A bulk order has been purchased by OPS to provide a shorter lead time for delivery (1-2 days).

Community Pharmacies will need an account with OPS to order Pangrol (see below). If there is any likelihood community pharmacy need to order via this route, they are encouraged to set up an account sooner rather than later (as that can take 24 to 48 hours) rather than wait until supply is urgent

 

Email ops.orders@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk to set up an account (this may take up to 3 days). You will need to supply the following details: Pharmacy Name, Address, Email for remittance, ODS code.

Ordering imported stock from OPS

Send orders to ops.orders@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk Pangrol pack size is 200

Pharmacies receiving stock should follow their own procedure for receipt of unlicensed medicines.