If a pharmacy allows the pharmacist to supply different strengths, quality or pharmaceutical form or indeed a different medicine to the prescription only medicine prescribed, using the newly agreed “Serious Shortage Protocol” who is liable if the patient suffers any adverse or ill effects? Before a Superintendent changes any of their Standard Operating Procedures , SOPs to facilitate this process it may be prudent to check with their insurance provider. particular care must be taken if the medication is being prescribed for an unlicensed use. Or if the substitution results in an unlicensed use.