Medicines shortages

More than a quarter of medicines yet to be stockpiled for no-deal Brexit

More than a quarter (28%) of medicine product lines do not have a six-week stockpile of medicines in preparation for a no-deal Brexit, according to figures given to the National Audit Office by the Department for Health and Social Care.…

Pharmacies may need to share medicines when shortages arise after Brexit, says government

The Department of Health and Social Care has suggested pharmacists share their medicine supply with other pharmacies to mitigate the impact of shortages on patients.…

Government reforms of Category M reimbursement risk ‘exacerbating’ drug shortages, says PSNC

The government risks making drugs shortages worse with its generics reimbursement reforms, unless the proposals are rolled out gradually, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has said.…

Jersey government could temporarily close pharmacies in no-deal Brexit scenario

Pharmacies on Jersey could be temporarily closed if a no-deal Brexit leads to severe medicines shortages, under an amendment to emergency powers passed on 10 September 2019.…

HRT shortages prompts guidance on availability

Shortages of hormone replacement therapy have prompted the British Menopause Society to issue guidance on the supplies that are currently available.…

Patients must be ‘urgently’ referred back to mental health specialists if drug shortages hit, SPS warns

Patients who take medication used to treat depression should be “urgently” referred back to a mental health specialist if their supply runs out, the Specialist Pharmacy Service has warned.…

Government tenders for £3m contract for Brexit medicines express

The government has set aside £3m to transport short-life medicines and medical devices in the event of a no-deal Brexit.…

EU must investigate medicines shortages say hospital pharmacists

European hospital pharmacists are demanding that the EU launches an investigation into medicines shortages.…

More than stockpiling needed to limit disruption of no-deal Brexit, warns generics manufacturers’ body

Medicine stockpiling alone will not ensure a disruption-free no-deal Brexit, the British Generic Manufacturers Association has said.…

Pharmacists ‘unqualified’ to follow government drug-switching protocols, say legal campaigners

A legal campaign group has said pharmacists are “unqualified” to dispense alternative medicines during shortages in line with a government-issued protocol.…