News HRT prescribing increased by almost half in one year, NHS figures show Data show that 10.9 million hormone replacement therapy items were prescribed in England in 2022/2023, up from 7.4 million items in 2021/2022.…Published: 30 October 2023
News European regulator launches ‘solidarity mechanism’ to tackle critical medicines shortages The voluntary mechanism will allow EU member states to support each other in the event of a critical medicines shortage.…Published: 30 October 2023
News Medicines shortages experienced by 95% of hospital pharmacists across Europe, survey finds Hospital pharmacists across 58 countries reported that medicines shortages had delayed or cancelled care.…Published: 20 October 2023
News Shortage of scabies treatment ‘likely to become a major public health issue’ The government has issued a medicine supply notification warning that permethrin 5% w/w cream will be “in limited supply until further notice due to an increase in demand”.…Published: 13 September 2023
News Second ADHD medication shortage leaves patients in ‘very difficult position’, pharmacists warn A medicine supply notification warned that atomoxetine 40mg and 60mg capsules will be out of stock until September 2023…Published: 3 August 2023
News Pharmacy teams told to ‘urgently’ order unlicensed imports of chemotherapy drugs in shortage warning Exclusive: A ‘Tier 3 — high impact’ alert has been issued for the platinum-based chemotherapy agents cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin.…Published: 2 August 2023
News Record number of items dispensed using serious shortage protocols during penicillin shortage Exclusive: Community pharmacists dispensed almost 13,000 items using a serious shortage protocol in December 2022, nearly double that of the previous peak.…Published: 24 July 2023
News National patient safety alert issued for GLP-1 receptor agonists The alert warns healthcare providers not to switch between brands or double up on lower-dose preparations when the higher dose is unavailable.…Published: 18 July 2023
News Negotiators warn statin shortage is having ‘serious impact’ on pharmacies as price spikes Pharmacy owners have reported “desperately trying to get hold of limited stock” of atorvastatin, while having to pay inflated prices for it, according to pharmacy bodies.…Published: 6 July 2023
Feature Special report: the UK’s medicines shortage crisis Medicines shortages are a huge concern for pharmacists, with many spending hours each week sourcing alternatives. Moreover, the shortages are increasingly putting patients’ lives at risk.…Published: 29 June 2023
