Eight Medicines Facing Prolonged Shortages in the UK, With Some Supply Problems Extending Into 2027

Medicine shortages are continuing to put pressure on pharmacies, doctors and patients across the UK, with several prescription treatments expected to remain difficult to obtain well into 2027.

Recent information from Community Pharmacy England (CPE) indicates that a number of medicines used for heart conditions, epilepsy, glaucoma, eye problems, bowel preparation and mental health treatment are affected by ongoing supply difficulties. Some products have estimated resupply dates, while others have no confirmed date for when normal availability will return.

The situation does not necessarily mean that every patient taking one of these medicines will be unable to obtain it. Supply can vary between pharmacies, manufacturers and individual strengths. However, prolonged shortages can make it more difficult for healthcare professionals to source particular products and may sometimes require alternative arrangements.

Which medicines are affected?

According to CPE supply alerts, six medicines or formulations are expected to experience shortages into 2027.

1. Disopyramide

Disopyramide, sold under the brand name Rythmodan, is used to help treat certain abnormal heart rhythms.

The 100mg capsule formulation is currently expected to remain affected by supply problems until at least April 2027. Because medicines used to control heart rhythm can be important for people with specific cardiac conditions, patients should not make changes to their treatment without medical advice.

2. Sodium valproate

Sodium valproate is available in several formulations and is used to treat epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

The Epilim Chronosphere 250mg modified-release granules in sugar-free sachets are among the products affected by the current supply problem. Sodium valproate also has important safety considerations, particularly during pregnancy, so patients should seek professional advice before making any changes to their treatment.

3. Latanoprost and timolol eye drops

Fixapost preservative-free eye drops combine latanoprost and timolol and are used to reduce pressure inside the eye, including in people with glaucoma.

The affected formulation contains 50 micrograms/ml of latanoprost and 5mg/ml of timolol. Supply is expected to remain constrained into early 2027.

For people using eye drops to control pressure in the eye, maintaining treatment is important. Anyone who cannot obtain their usual prescription should contact their pharmacist, optometrist or prescriber rather than simply stopping treatment.

4. Diclofenac eye drops

Diclofenac 0.1% eye drops, including the Voltarol Ophtha formulation supplied in preservative-free unit doses, are also affected.

These drops can be used for inflammation and pain associated with certain eye conditions and procedures, including treatment following eye surgery or laser procedures.

The shortage illustrates that supply problems are not limited to commonly prescribed tablets. Some specialist formulations can also become difficult to source.

5. Moviprep

Moviprep is an oral bowel-cleansing preparation. It is commonly used before procedures such as colonoscopy, where the bowel needs to be emptied beforehand.

Although it is not normally taken as a long-term daily medicine, shortages can still cause difficulties for patients whose procedures depend on receiving the correct preparation.

6. Plenvu

Plenvu is another bowel preparation product used before certain medical investigations and procedures.

Like Moviprep, its availability has been affected by supply problems. Healthcare providers may need to consider alternative preparations when the prescribed product cannot be sourced.

Two medicines have no confirmed resupply date

The CPE information also identifies two medicines where there is currently no confirmed date for normal supplies to return.

One is quetiapine, an antipsychotic medicine available in several strengths. The affected strengths include 50mg, 150mg, 200mg, 300mg and 400mg.

Quetiapine is used in the treatment of conditions including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also form part of treatment for severe depression in some circumstances.

The other medicine is diamorphine powder for injection, with affected strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 100mg.

Diamorphine is a strong opioid that can be used in medical settings for severe pain and, in certain circumstances, breathing difficulties.

The lack of a confirmed resupply date can make planning more complicated for healthcare professionals, particularly when a medicine has already been unavailable for an extended period.

Why are medicine shortages happening?

Medicine shortages are rarely caused by a single issue.

Problems can occur at different points in the pharmaceutical supply chain, including manufacturing difficulties, shortages of raw materials, transportation problems, changes in demand and international market pressures.

The cost of medicines can also create difficulties. Community Pharmacy England's price concessions system provides an indication of situations where pharmacies are struggling to purchase certain medicines at the standard reimbursement price.

Pharmacies in England generally receive a set reimbursement amount for medicines they dispense. When the market price rises above that level, obtaining stock can become financially challenging.

This can leave pharmacists spending considerable amounts of time searching for available supplies from different wholesalers or suppliers.

What does a shortage mean for patients?

A medicine being listed as being in short supply does not automatically mean that every pharmacy has run out.

Availability can differ considerably from one area to another. A pharmacist may be able to locate stock from another supplier or recommend an appropriate alternative following consultation with the prescriber.

However, prolonged shortages can create additional work for pharmacies and doctors. In some cases, prescriptions may need to be adjusted to a different strength, formulation, brand or medicine.

Patients should therefore avoid waiting until their medication has completely run out before raising concerns about availability.

If a regular medicine is difficult to obtain, speak to a pharmacist as soon as possible. Pharmacists can check availability and advise on the next appropriate step. Patients should not stop prescription medicines, alter doses or switch to another product without professional guidance.

The wider picture

The eight medicines highlighted by the latest CPE alerts form only part of a much broader supply problem.

Community pharmacy representatives have warned that shortages are putting considerable pressure on pharmacy teams. According to figures cited in the supplied report, the National Pharmacy Association found that 96 per cent of surveyed pharmacy respondents believed medicine supply problems presented a serious risk to patient safety.

Other medicines, including some formulations of Estradot, ramipril, co-codamol and Creon, have also experienced supply difficulties, although some of those problems are expected to improve during 2026.

For patients, the most important message is not to panic but to plan ahead. If a prescribed medicine becomes difficult to find, contacting a pharmacist or healthcare professional early can give them more time to locate stock or arrange a suitable alternative.

Medicine supply problems can be frustrating, but patients should never attempt to solve them by changing their treatment themselves.

Source

National Pharmacy Association and UK health authorities.

Health disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Medicine availability can change rapidly, and the situation may differ between pharmacies and regions. Do not stop, reduce, increase or replace a prescribed medicine without speaking to a pharmacist, doctor or another qualified healthcare professional. If you are unable to obtain an essential medicine, contact your pharmacy or prescriber promptly.