A serious shortage protocol for the pancreatic cancer drug Creon has been in place since May 2024, extended by the NHS in April until July 10 – making it the longest running SSP for a single medicine in UK history. Now the European Medicines Agency warns the shortage could run well into 2027.
But Creon is just one of dozens of drugs hit. Common painkillers, antibiotics, blood pressure medication, and drugs for epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and ADHD are all in short supply, pharmacists warn. Estradot, a hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms, is also covered by a Serious Shortage Protocol.
“Record medicine shortages in UK pose serious risk to patient safety, pharmacists warn.”
Ashley Cohen, a National Pharmacy Association Board Member who has worked as a pharmacist for almost 35 years and runs a chain in Leeds, said: “I have never known such a chronic medicine shortage as at the moment. This is now not an inconvenience and a frustration, it’s a patient safety issue.”
“With certain medicines and disease areas, such as epilepsy, the significance of somebody not getting their medicine may mean they have a seizure, they could be hospitalised or worst case scenario patients have died. I am aware of some instances where shortages have caused significant patient issues.”
The shortages are blamed on surging global prices, a lack of government funding that has not kept up with costs, and supply issues caused by the Iran war and the near total closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to shipping delays and disruption to air-freight.
In April, the government’s price concessions list – which names drugs that cost more than the government is willing to pay – hit a record high of 210 medications. Pharmacies are paid a fixed price by the NHS for each medicine dispensed, but now must often pay more to source the drugs.
Cohen said global manufacturers are diverting stocks to France and Germany because those countries pay more. “It’s down to supply and demand. Manufacturers are diverting large volumes of stocks to stay in France and Germany because they’re prepared to pay more for their medicines than the UK government are willing to pay. The government need to put more money into the medicines market.”
He has been forced to ration stocks of some drugs, including Creon, which enables patients with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to digest food. Pharmacies report patients rationing their PERT medication and skipping meals because they cannot obtain supplies.
Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients. These shortages are some of the most severe the UK has experienced. Our medicines market has never been so volatile, with patients and primary care colleagues at the sharp end of events outside of their control.”
Senior pharmacy leaders are now calling on the government to convene an urgent taskforce including manufacturers, wholesalers and clinicians to try to tackle the problem. With no end in sight to the Creon shortage and global prices continuing to rise, the question is how many more patients will be put at risk before action is taken.