Medicine Shortages Continue to Affect Pharmacies and Patients Across England

Medicine shortages are impacting the availability of essential treatments across England, with pharmacies and patients affected by supply issues involving a range of drugs for chronic health conditions.

Recent reports indicate that pharmacies in England are experiencing ongoing difficulties in maintaining supplies of key medications. These shortages are affecting individuals who rely on treatments for conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, ADHD, and high blood pressure, and are also contributing to financial pressures on pharmacy businesses.

According to NHS England, 378 medicines are considered at risk of shortage because they are produced by either a single supplier or have no current manufacturer. This situation has led to challenges in sourcing certain drugs, particularly those used to manage chronic illnesses.

Community Pharmacy England has stated that patients seeking medications for diabetes, epilepsy, and ADHD are often required to visit multiple pharmacies to obtain their prescriptions. This has resulted in increased inconvenience for those managing ongoing health conditions.

What the numbers show

• Approximately 120 medicines are currently in short supply in the UK
• NHS England identified 378 medicines at risk due to single or no suppliers
• Over 70% of people with epilepsy in the UK reported difficulty accessing medication in the past year

Data from Epilepsy Action shows that more than seven in ten people with epilepsy in the UK have experienced problems obtaining their prescribed medicines over the past year. The most commonly reported shortages involved carbamazepine, clobazam, and topiramate.

The current shortages are not limited to a single type of medicine. Treatments for ADHD, angina, anxiety, hormone replacement therapy, and high blood pressure are among those affected, according to recent findings.

A House of Lords report has stated that oversight of medicine shortages in the UK is insufficient and recommended that these shortages be addressed as a national security issue. The report highlights the need for improved management and monitoring of the medicine supply chain.

England’s pharmacies continue to face operational and financial challenges as they respond to ongoing supply disruptions. The situation remains under review by health authorities and pharmacy organizations.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.