News | Medicines shortages

News

Medicines pricing system creating ‘false economy’ that drives shortages, says CCA report

A report published by the Company Chemists’ Association found that the number of price concessions granted for generic medicines increased by over 740% from 2015 to 2024.…

Published: 24 March 2025

News

Pharmacists asked to assist in switching patients from Promixin by end of April 2025

A national patient safety alert advises that Colicym 1-million-unit power for nebuliser solution unit dose vials should be considered as an alternative treatment.…

Published: 21 March 2025

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Fewer people reporting problems obtaining prescriptions in England, show ONS data

Survey results have revealed that 88.1% of patients said they experienced no issues accessing medicines from their pharmacy in January 2025, compared with 79.9% in August 2024.…

Published: 10 March 2025

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MPs call for urgent review into medicines shortages

A letter from 45 cross-party MPs has urged the government to look into medicines shortages to ensure patients have their “life-saving medications”.…

Published: 27 February 2025

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Almost 400,000 patients unable to get prescriptions from their local pharmacy, analysis reveals

The Liberal Democrats have urged the government to take steps to address cost increases that are affecting medicines access and struggling pharmacies.…

Published: 24 February 2025

News

More than half of pharmacy staff struggle with mental health over medicines shortages, reveals survey

Respondents to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Workforce Wellbeing Survey also cited inadequate staffing, lack of work–life balance and increased financial pressures as factors that negatively impact their mental health.…

Published: 18 February 2025

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‘Confusing blur’ between genuine medicines shortages and procurement issues, says wholesalers trade body

Speaking at the Healthcare Distribution Association annual conference, executive director Martin Sawer explained that medicines shortages were not always a result of “genuine pharmaceutical unavailability” but could be caused by incentives in medicines procurement.…

Published: 29 January 2025

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Patients put at risk by medicine shortages, warns RPS in evidence to APPG inquiry

Evidence from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society highlights that guidance related to medicines shortages creates inconsistent patient access, leading to “compromised care” by prioritising existing patients.…

Published: 24 January 2025

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Coroners raise concerns about medicines shortages following two patient deaths

The ‘Prevention of future deaths’ reports, published on 20 and 31 December 2024, were issued following deaths of patients who had experienced supply issues with their ADHD and epilepsy medications, respectively.…

Published: 14 January 2025

News

MPs announce inquiry into impact of medicines shortages

Community Pharmacy England welcomes the inquiry as medicines shortages increase the already “huge pressures on community pharmacies” and patient care.…

Published: 10 January 2025