Home Generic Medicine Shortages
On this section of the site you'll be able to find information on the NCSO Concession. For support on stock shortages, please contact the PSNC Information Team: 01296 432823
The following products have so far been granted NCSO for March 2010:
Calcitriol 500 ng capsules
Diltiazem 60mg modified-release tablets
Torasemide 10mg tablets
If you have problems obtaining a Part VIII product or problems obtaining the product at the set Drug Tariff price, please contact the PSNC Information Team (01296 432 823). PSNC will then contact the main wholesalers to establish the extent of the problem and if necessary make an application for the product to be given NCSO Status.
NCSO Concessions Archive
Click on the link below to view historical information on the NCSO Concessions granted since January 2003:
What is NCSO Status?
There is a set reimbursement price for the supply of drugs listed in Part VIII of the Drug Tariff. Occasionally there are shortages of these products, for example, if there are manufacturing problems or a change in demand, leaving pharmacy contractors faced with dispensing an equivalent product that is only available at above the set Drug Tariff price.
When this happens, PSNC is able to apply to the Department of Health for the ‘No Cheaper Stock Obtainable' (NCSO) Concession to be granted for a particular month. If this status is granted, pharmacy contractors will be reimbursed based on their endorsement rather than the fixed Drug Tariff Price but it is essential that contractors endorse the prescription fully with the letters ‘NCSO' and full details of the product dispensed (e.g. manufacturer, brand name or price if it is an uncommon item and pack size). The endorsement must also be signed and dated. If any of this information is missing, payment will be based on the Drug Tariff price rather than the endorsed product.
If an item is in Category A or M of Part VIII of the Drug Tariff, out of pocket expenses can not normally be claimed. However if the NCSO Concession has been granted and the prescription is properly endorsed, out of pocket expenses can also be claimed.
To report a stock shortage, please contact the PSNC Information Team (01296 432823 or email mailto:shortages@psnc.org.uk). The PSNC information team will then contact wholesalers and manufacturers to establish the extent of the problem and approach the Department of Health to apply for the NCSO Concession as appropriate. The concession is only granted where there is a licensed equivalent available and where there is a recognised stock shortage. The concession is not granted where the product is still available in the market at or below the Drug Tariff price, for example where one key wholesaler still has stock. After reporting a problem, the PSNC information team will keep you informed as they investigate the problem and provide details of suppliers with stock where possible.
Once the NCSO Concession has been granted, it only applies for that particular month. If at the beginning of the following month the situation is not resolved, a new application is made.