Medicines shortages

Government consults on giving pharmacists powers to substitute drugs during shortages

Pharmacists could be given new powers to switch patients’ prescriptions without consulting a doctor in the event of a national medicines shortage.…

Supply of adrenaline auto-injectors returns to normal

The interim protocol for the dispensing of adrenaline 150 microgram auto-injectors will cease to be in effect from 29 November 2018, the NHS has said.…

Stock levels sufficient for at least two adrenaline auto-injectors per prescription

Patients presenting with a prescription can now be given at least two adrenaline 150 microgram auto-injectors that are either in date or have a formally extended expiry date, according to a revised interim protocol issued by the Department of Health and Social Care.…

Small children prioritised under emergency protocol to tackle ‘critical’ EpiPen shortage

Supplies of adrenaline auto-injectors for children are now “critical” and are being rationed with new national guidance for community pharmacists being introduced across England.…

Pharmacists face continued EpiPen shortages

Pharmacists in the UK are having to ration stocks of EpiPen, a first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, as a result of ongoing shortages.…

NHS planning to safeguard medicines supply in case of no-deal Brexit

Simon Stevens has confirmed the government is working on plans to ensure supplies of medicines and medical equipment from Europe should the UK end up with a no-deal Brexit.…

FMD and Brexit risks medicine shortage, European pharmacy body warns

The Falsified Medicines Directive and Brexit could contribute to an increased risk of medicines shortages in Europe, a European pharmacy body has warned.…

Health bodies warn of Brexit risk to drug supplies

The body representing much of the UK healthcare and medical establishment has warned that supplies of medicines to patients could be disrupted when the UK leaves the EU.…

PSNC in ‘urgent talks’ with government over medicine shortages

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has announced that it is in “urgent discussions” with the Department of Health about the problems and risks involved in pharmacies not being able to obtain vital medicines for patients.…

MHRA advises health professionals on supply of clobazam for epilepsy

An epilepsy charity has updated its advice for health professionals on the supply of clobazam for people with epilepsy.…