Pharmacies Report Worst Drug Shortages Ever

Pharmacists and General Practitioners (GPs) in the UK are reporting what they describe as the most severe drug shortages encountered to date, posing a significant risk to patient safety.

Key medications, including those for blood pressure like Ramipril, painkillers such as co-codamol, and digestive aids like Creon, are experiencing significant supply issues. The shortage of Creon, which is crucial for patients with conditions like cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer, has been ongoing across Europe and is not expected to fully resolve until 2027 due to production limitations and high demand.

Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs), designed to manage medicine scarcity by allowing for safe alternatives, are in place for several drugs. Notably, SSPs for Creon have been extended until at least July 2026, marking over two years, and for Estradot (an HRT medication) since December 2024, both setting new records for duration.

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) revealed that 96% of pharmacies view the shortages as a serious risk to patient safety, and 83% have experienced aggression from patients. One pharmacist noted this is the most challenging period in their 30-year career.

In response, the NPA is urging the government to establish an urgent taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, and clinicians. They also advocate for legislative changes to permit pharmacies to make safe substitutions when prescribed medications are unavailable.

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) supports empowering pharmacists to make limited prescription changes for safe, available alternatives, provided appropriate safeguards are in place. Both professional bodies emphasize the need for timely communication and swift resolution of the underlying causes of these persistent shortages to ensure patients receive necessary medication without delay.