NHS patients face worst drug shortages on record, say pharmacists and GPs
Summary
Patients in the UK are facing severe shortages of important NHS medicines such as painkillers, epilepsy drugs, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These shortages have lasted a long time, forcing some patients to ration medicine or even skip meals, while pharmacists and doctors warn about the risks to patient safety.Key Facts
- The UK is experiencing record shortages of NHS medicines, including Estradot (HRT) and Creon (used for digestion in pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis patients).
- Shortage protocols for these drugs have been in place for 18 to 24 months, the longest on record.
- Patients have had to ration medication or reduce food intake due to lack of these drugs.
- Creon is vital for people whose pancreas does not produce enzymes for digestion, making the shortage particularly serious.
- Pharmacies struggle to get common medicines like Ramipril (for blood pressure) and some painkillers.
- Factors causing shortages include conflicts affecting supply chains, lack of ingredients, manufacturing problems, and lower UK medicine budgets.
- The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) calls for a taskforce with manufacturers, wholesalers, and clinicians to address the shortages.
- Over 1,000 GPs and pharmacists will meet to discuss better ways to share information about medicine supplies.
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