Painkiller Shortage: Scotland Faces Summer Without Co-Codamol

Supplies of prescription-strength co-codamol are expected to remain limited across Scotland until the summer of 2026, the Scottish government has confirmed. The ongoing UK-wide shortage impacts the strongest form of the painkiller, the 30/500mg dosage, due to delays by the Indian government in authorizing the import of essential ingredients for its manufacture.

Health boards have acknowledged the challenge, noting that while alternative medicines are available, they may not be sufficient to cover the expected increase in demand. Patients who depend on co-codamol have been informed by doctors that it may not be restocked until June 2026. Some individuals, like Jocelin Harrison who has taken the drug for over 30 years, have been instructed by NHS Lanarkshire to gradually reduce their dosage to avoid sudden withdrawal effects.

Co-codamol, containing codeine and paracetamol, comes in various strengths, with the strongest requiring a prescription. Patients are warned against abrupt cessation, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and increased pain. Health boards, including NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Grampian, have issued guidance, with NHS Lanarkshire advising all patients, except those undergoing cancer treatment, to taper their intake. No new prescriptions for co-codamol will be issued until supplies normalize, though the June 2026 date is not guaranteed.

The UK government's Department of Health and Social Care confirmed awareness of the limited supply due to manufacturing issues and stated they are collaborating with suppliers and clinicians to resolve disruptions. They have issued comprehensive guidance for managing patients during this period, including advice on alternative preparations. The core issue is linked to delayed authorization by the Indian government concerning imports of codeine-based active pharmaceutical ingredients, crucial for co-codamol production.