UK Pharmacies Face Prolonged Co-codamol Shortage Until Summer
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has issued a stark warning that a significant shortage of the widely used painkiller co-codamol could persist until at least the end of June, causing distress for millions of patients across the United Kingdom. This disruption is particularly affecting specific tablet strengths, creating a ripple effect throughout the medication supply chain.
Supply Chain Disruption Affecting Key Strengths
UK pharmacies are currently grappling with severe difficulties in obtaining 30mg and 500mg co-codamol tablets, according to the NPA, which represents approximately 6,000 independent community pharmacies nationwide. The association reports that these supply issues have subsequently impacted the availability of other dosage forms, exacerbating the overall shortage situation.
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, confirmed the severity of the situation, stating: "Pharmacies are telling us they have struggled to order in supplies of some strengths of co-codamol, with a number reporting that supply disruption will last at least until June."
He emphasized the human impact of this pharmaceutical shortage, adding: "This is deeply distressing for patients living with severe pain, and pharmacists are working tirelessly to find safe alternatives or manage very limited stock."
Widespread Impact on Patient Care
Co-codamol, a commonly prescribed painkiller combining paracetamol and codeine, is utilized to treat diverse pain conditions including:
- Toothache and dental pain
- Menstrual period discomfort
- Muscle aches and injuries
- Various other acute and chronic pain conditions
According to NHS prescribing data, approximately 1.25 million co-codamol items were dispensed monthly to patients throughout 2025, highlighting the medication's crucial role in pain management across the healthcare system.
Systemic Challenges in Medicine Supply
Mr. Picard further elaborated on broader systemic issues affecting pharmaceutical supplies, noting: "Where pharmacies have supplies, they will be doing all they can to manage them to ensure patients get the medication they need. We face ever growing issues with medicine supplies which are compounded by the NHS not funding the full cost pharmacies have to pay to get the medicines patients need."
The NPA chair issued a direct appeal to government authorities, stating: "The Government must urgently act to address a growing list of medicine shortages impacting patients and pharmacists alike, who end up at the sharp end of an increasingly difficult medicine supply system."
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment regarding these critical supply chain disruptions and the potential measures being considered to alleviate the shortage situation affecting co-codamol availability across UK pharmacies.
