The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has warned that medicine shortages are posing a 'serious risk to patient safety', with some of the 'most severe' supply problems on record affecting common painkillers, epilepsy drugs, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Both the NPA and the Royal College of GPs have highlighted long-lasting supply issues for Estradot, an HRT for menopausal women, and Creon, a drug for pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis patients. Serious shortage protocols (SSPs) have been in place for up to two years, a new NHS record, and were recently extended until 10 July.
Bryony Thomas, 48, a pancreatic cancer survivor from Stroud, Gloucestershire, said she has had to ration Creon for the past two years, reducing her food intake. She relies on sharing medication through social media patient groups to avoid rationing. Her mother-in-law makes four-hour round trips to the only pharmacy in Crewe, Cheshire, where the drug is available.
Pharmacies are also struggling to source Ramipril for high blood pressure, low-dose aspirin, and co-codamol. The NPA attributes shortages to lack of ingredients, manufacturing disruption, the UK's smaller medicines budget, and changing prescribing habits, with the Middle East conflict adding volatility.
The NPA, representing 6,000 independent community pharmacies, is calling for an urgent government taskforce and legislative changes to allow pharmacists to substitute prescriptions with safe alternatives. Over 1,000 GPs and pharmacists will meet in Birmingham this weekend to discuss improved information sharing.
