Medicine Shortage Warning: Two Major NHS Drugs Could Remain Hard to Find Until 2027

Two widely used medicines in the UK are facing continued supply problems that could last into early 2027, adding to growing concerns about medicine shortages across the NHS.

Creon, a pancreatic enzyme replacement medicine used by people with conditions including pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis, has been affected by shortages since 2024. Meanwhile, several strengths of the HRT patch Estradot have also experienced repeated supply problems.

New shortage notices mean supplies of both medicines are expected to remain under pressure until at least January 8, 2027.

For patients who depend on these treatments, the situation can be more than an inconvenience. Difficulties obtaining regular medication can create anxiety, disrupt treatment routines and, in some cases, have consequences for health.

Creon shortage continues after more than two years

Creon contains pancreatic enzymes that help the body digest food. It is prescribed to people whose bodies do not produce enough pancreatic enzymes naturally.

Patients who cannot obtain sufficient pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, commonly known as PERT, may experience digestive problems including diarrhoea, weight loss and difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition.

The latest shortage notices cover Creon 10,000 and 25,000 gastro-resistant capsules. The notices had been due to expire in October 2026 but have now been extended until January 8, 2027.

The extension means the shortage has continued for more than two years, making it one of the longest-running medicine supply problems affecting patients in the NHS.

Pharmacy organisations have previously described situations in which patients have struggled to find supplies, sometimes requiring them to contact multiple pharmacies or travel considerable distances.

Pancreatic Cancer UK has said that the supply situation is more stable than during the most severe periods of the shortage. However, the charity continues to highlight the uncertainty faced by people who depend on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.

For patients already coping with serious illnesses, uncertainty about whether their medication will be available can add another layer of stress.

HRT patch shortages also remain a concern

Estradot, a transdermal oestrogen patch used as part of hormone replacement therapy, has also experienced prolonged shortages.

Problems affecting the 50, 75 and 100 microgram patches were first reported in December 2024, while the 25 microgram strength was subsequently added to the shortage list.

The latest notices extend the supply problems affecting the four strengths until January 8, 2027.

The continued shortages come at a time when demand for HRT has increased significantly. More than 500,000 HRT prescriptions are reportedly being issued each month, meaning the supply chain is under considerable pressure.

For women who rely on a particular HRT product, not being able to obtain their usual prescription can be worrying.

HRT may be used to manage symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, disrupted sleep and other symptoms that can affect everyday life.

However, experts have stressed that patients should not automatically assume that a shortage of one product means they have to stop treatment.

There may be alternative brands, strengths or forms of oestrogen available. Any change should be discussed with a pharmacist or prescriber rather than made independently.

Patients are being advised not to ration medication

One of the biggest concerns surrounding medicine shortages is the possibility that patients may attempt to make their existing supplies last longer.

For medicines such as Creon, reducing doses without professional advice can affect the amount of pancreatic enzyme available to help digest food.

Similarly, people using HRT have been advised not to cut patches, reduce their dose or change how they use their medication simply because they are worried about running out.

Anyone experiencing difficulty obtaining a prescription should contact their pharmacist or healthcare professional as early as possible.

Starting the process early can give pharmacies more time to source available stock or discuss suitable alternatives.

What can patients taking Creon do?

People who are unable to obtain their usual Creon prescription may have other options.

Pancreatic Cancer UK has highlighted alternative PERT products, including imported medicines that can be ordered by GPs and pharmacies when necessary.

Patients are generally advised to request repeat prescriptions early rather than waiting until their existing supply has completely run out.

It can also be useful to check that a prescription request has been approved by the GP surgery and to tell both the GP and pharmacist about any difficulties obtaining the medicine.

In some circumstances, patients may need to contact several pharmacies. Stock can vary between pharmacies and different pharmacy groups, meaning one location may be unable to supply a medicine while another may have access to it.

Patients should not change from one medicine to another without appropriate medical or pharmacy advice.

Why are medicine shortages happening?

Medicine shortages can have several causes and are not necessarily the result of a single problem.

International supply chains, manufacturing difficulties, changes in demand, transportation problems and fluctuations in the cost of medicines can all contribute.

Pharmacies also face financial pressures when the market price of a medicine rises above the amount reimbursed by the NHS.

In England, price concessions can be introduced when medicines become difficult to obtain at the usual reimbursement price. The number of medicines appearing on these lists can therefore provide an indication of wider pressures within the supply chain.

Community pharmacy representatives have warned that pharmacy teams are spending substantial amounts of time trying to locate medicines, manage delayed prescriptions and explain alternative options to patients.

For patients, the result can be frustrating. A prescription may have been issued correctly, but the medicine may still be unavailable at the pharmacy.

A wider problem for the NHS

The difficulties affecting Creon and Estradot are part of a wider debate about medicine availability in England.

Pharmacy organisations have repeatedly called for greater attention to supply-chain resilience and have warned that prolonged shortages can create additional pressure for healthcare professionals.

When a medicine is unavailable, pharmacists may have to contact wholesalers, search alternative suppliers, speak with prescribers and explain options to patients.

That process takes time and can increase pressure on already busy pharmacy teams.

For patients, repeated shortages can also mean making multiple phone calls, visiting different pharmacies or waiting for a replacement medicine to become available.

What should patients do?

If your usual medicine is unavailable, the most important step is to speak with a pharmacist or prescriber rather than making changes yourself.

Patients should avoid rationing medication, reducing doses or stopping treatment without professional advice.

For Creon and other PERT medicines, requesting prescriptions early can give pharmacies more time to locate supplies or arrange an appropriate alternative.

For people using Estradot, a pharmacist or prescriber may be able to discuss another suitable form or brand of HRT if the usual patch is unavailable.

The situation can change as supplies arrive and shortages are updated, so patients should seek current advice from their healthcare professionals.

The road ahead

The extension of shortage notices for Creon and several Estradot strengths means supply problems are expected to remain an issue into 2027.

Although there have been improvements in the availability of some medicines, the prolonged nature of these shortages highlights the challenges facing patients, pharmacies and the wider NHS.

For people who rely on regular medication, the uncertainty can be particularly difficult.

Healthcare organisations and pharmacy representatives continue to call for stronger measures to improve medicine availability and reduce the impact of supply disruptions.

Until supplies become more reliable, patients are being encouraged to plan prescriptions early, communicate with their pharmacy and seek professional advice if their usual medicine cannot be obtained.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Medicine availability can change, and individual treatment needs vary. If you are unable to obtain your prescribed medication, speak to your pharmacist, GP or other qualified healthcare professional before changing, reducing or stopping treatment.