Medicines shortages

UK government denies levy scheme for branded medicines is causing shortages

The British Generic Manufacturers Association has argued that the voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access rebate rate is a “key factor” behind a rise in shortages of branded generic medicines.…

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.…

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.…

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.…

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”.…

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…

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.…

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.…

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.…

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.…