Medicines shortages

Seven in ten pharmacists say medicines shortages have put patients at risk in past six months

Exclusive: Responding to a survey of 1,265 UK-based pharmacists working in all sectors, 861 answered ‘Yes’ when asked if medicines shortages have put patients at risk “in the past six months”.…

Residents lodge complaint with ICB after proposal to reopen a closed pharmacy is rejected

Despite more than 900 signatures petitioning to keep it open, the former Boots on Southmead Road in Bristol closed in January 2024.…

The 2024 general election manifestos are lacking on ambitions for pharmacy

This month, our health policy columnist looks at where pharmacy stands in each of the major political party manifestos.…

EMA tells countries to prioritise weight loss drugs for patients ‘with greatest need’

A European Medicines Agency steering group has asked member countries to work with marketing authorisation holders to “control and optimise the distribution” of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.…

Half of UK adults affected by drug shortages since 2022, finds survey

Respondents to a survey by the British Generic Manufacturers Association reported going without their medication or travelling to other pharmacies to try and source their medicine as a result of shortages.…

Community pharmacists should be allowed to alter out-of-stock medicines ‘within three months’, say MPs

The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee said changes would be “compatible with the direction of travel towards community pharmacies delivering more clinical services”.…

Pharmacists told to issue only one month supply of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in shortage warning

There are shortages of two brands of pancreatic enzyme therapy, with Nutrizym 22 capsules out of stock until August 2024 and limited supplies of Creon 10,000 and 25,000 capsules until 2026.…

Serious shortage protocols for clarithromycin reactivated as whooping cough cases rise

The protocols were first introduced in 2023, and are now due to expire on 21 June 2024.…

How to navigate and ensure effective patient communication about medicines shortages

Best practice principles on gathering information to inform communications, information sharing with patients and working across boundaries to better support affected patients during medicines shortages.…

ADHD drugs back in stock, says manufacturer 

Exclusive: Medicines used to treat ADHD manufactured by Takeda are now available, following a period of supply issues caused by an increase in demand and production challenges.…