Supply issues

Drugs companies asked to put no-deal Brexit stockpiles ‘on hold’ until further notice

The Department of Health and Social Care has written to pharmaceutical companies asking them to keep their six-week stockpiles of medicines “in place but on hold” until further notice.…

Brexit is not the only reason for medicines shortages

While Brexit may not be the direct cause of worsening medicines shortages, it is distracting Westminster from giving the issue the attention it needs. …

Government will ‘review its position’ on no-deal Brexit drug stockpiles

The government has said it will “review its position” on drug stockpiles held in case of a no-deal Brexit after the UK agreed an extension to its date for leaving the EU.…

Minister urged to review supply issues with epilepsy medicines

An epilepsy charity has urged the health secretary to launch an “urgent review” of the medicines supply chain following a “steep rise” in the number of patients unable to access their epilepsy medicines.…

Suppliers opt to stockpile 16 weeks’ worth of insulin in UK ahead of Brexit

Insulin suppliers have increased their UK stocks to include 16 weeks’ worth of extra supplies as part of their no-deal Brexit planning.…

Government would give freight capacity to medicines over food additives after no-deal Brexit

The government is to prioritise freight capacity for importing medicines and medical devices over “critical food chain dependencies” in the event of a no-deal Brexit.…

Hospital trust boss warns waiting list size could increase by 15% each month after no-deal Brexit

A hospital trust chief executive has warned that its waiting list could increase by 15% each month after a no-deal Brexit as a result of problems with the supply of medical goods, including medicines.…

FMD alerts will change to be made more understandable

Alert messages produced by the UK Falsified Medicines Directive hub are going to change to make them more understandable, SecurMed has said.…

Community pharmacy bodies ‘continue to monitor’ medicines supply plans as Brexit nears

Some five community pharmacy bodies have published a joint statement to reassure the profession that they “will continue to monitor the situation” around medicines supply as the Brexit deadline draws nearer.…

Everything you need to know about serious shortage protocols

Legislation came into force in February 2019 which allows pharmacists to substitute a different medicine to the one prescribed in the event of a serious shortage.…