NHS Medicine Shortage Warning: Two Common Drugs Facing Supply Problems in 2026
Patients across the UK are being warned about shortages affecting two important medicines used to treat inflammatory conditions and reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued medicine supply notifications for methylprednisolone 100mg tablets and edoxaban 15mg tablets. Both medicines are prescription treatments, meaning patients who rely on them should speak to their pharmacist or healthcare professional if they are unable to obtain their usual supply.
According to Community Pharmacy England, the supply problems were formally reported on September 1, 2026. Methylprednisolone 100mg tablets are expected to remain unavailable until the week commencing October 5, while edoxaban 15mg tablets are expected to be out of stock until mid-September.
Which medicines are affected?
Methylprednisolone 100mg tablets
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid medicine used to reduce inflammation. It can be prescribed for a range of inflammatory and immune-related conditions, including arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and certain allergies.
The current shortage specifically concerns methylprednisolone, also known as Medrone, 100mg tablets.
Community Pharmacy England says the tablets are expected to be out of stock until the week beginning October 5, 2026. However, other forms of methylprednisolone remain available. The DHSC notification states that 500mg and 1000mg injectable powder remain available and may help meet increased demand. Unlicensed imports of the 100mg tablets have also been sourced, although delivery times can vary.
Patients should not attempt to change their dose or switch treatment themselves. A pharmacist, GP or specialist can advise on the most appropriate option if supplies are unavailable.
Edoxaban 15mg tablets
Edoxaban, sold under the brand name Lixiana, is an anticoagulant. It works by helping prevent blood clots and is used for conditions including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots and strokes in some people with atrial fibrillation.
The current shortage affects the 15mg tablet strength. Community Pharmacy England reports that supplies are expected to be unavailable until mid-September 2026.
Unlike methylprednisolone, alternative direct-acting oral anticoagulants remain available and can help support demand during the shortage. Unlicensed supplies of edoxaban 15mg tablets may also be sourced where necessary.
What should patients do if their medicine is unavailable?
The most important advice is not to stop taking prescription medicines without medical advice.
If your usual pharmacy cannot supply your medicine, ask the pharmacist what options are available. Pharmacies may have different stock levels, so another nearby pharmacy could potentially have supplies.
For edoxaban in particular, patients should not stop treatment simply because their usual tablets are unavailable. NHS guidance specifically warns that stopping edoxaban suddenly can be dangerous.
Depending on the circumstances, a healthcare professional may be able to arrange an alternative medicine or obtain supplies through other channels.
If you are concerned about your prescription, contact your pharmacist or GP as soon as possible rather than waiting until you have completely run out.
Why are medicine shortages happening?
Medicine shortages have become an increasing concern for pharmacies and patients in the UK.
Community Pharmacy England has highlighted ongoing pressures within the medicines supply chain. These can include manufacturing problems, international supply difficulties, changes in demand and rising costs.
Another issue is the relationship between the price pharmacies pay for medicines and the amount they receive through NHS reimbursement arrangements.
When the market price of a medicine rises above its reimbursement price, pharmacies can find it difficult to source the product without making a loss. In response to these situations, the DHSC can introduce price concessions, allowing pharmacies to receive additional reimbursement for certain medicines.
Community Pharmacy England's supply and shortages information continues to list medicine supply notifications and price concession updates.
Could other medicines also be affected?
The current warnings come as pharmacies continue to manage shortages involving other medicines.
Community Pharmacy England's latest shortage updates include medicines beyond methylprednisolone and edoxaban. Recent notifications have also covered treatments such as venlafaxine and certain inhalers.
This does not mean every patient taking these medicines will experience a shortage. Availability can differ between pharmacies, suppliers and regions.
However, the growing number of supply notifications demonstrates why patients should raise concerns early if they are unable to obtain a regular prescription.
What does the shortage mean for NHS patients?
For most patients, a medicine shortage does not automatically mean treatment will stop.
Healthcare professionals have several ways of managing supply problems. Depending on the medicine involved, they may be able to locate stock elsewhere, use an alternative strength or formulation, arrange an alternative medicine, or access imported supplies.
The appropriate solution depends on the individual medicine and the patient's medical circumstances.
This is particularly important for anticoagulants such as edoxaban. Because these medicines are used to prevent potentially serious blood clots and strokes, patients should seek professional advice before making any change.
The NHS states that edoxaban should only be stopped when a doctor advises the patient to do so.
What should you do if you are worried?
If you have been prescribed methylprednisolone 100mg tablets or edoxaban 15mg tablets, check your remaining supply and contact your pharmacy if you think you may run out.
Do not stockpile medication or change the amount you take without medical advice.
If your pharmacy cannot fulfil your prescription, ask what alternatives are available. Your pharmacist can advise whether another pharmacy has stock or whether your prescription needs to be reviewed by your GP or specialist.
Patients taking edoxaban should take particular care not to miss doses without professional advice.
For urgent concerns about your health, contact NHS 111 or seek emergency medical assistance when appropriate.
A wider warning about medicine supply
The latest shortages highlight the pressure facing medicine supply chains across the UK.
Community Pharmacy England continues to publish updates about shortages, price concessions and medicine supply notifications. Its latest information confirms that both methylprednisolone 100mg and edoxaban 15mg are subject to current supply notifications.
Although these shortages are expected to be temporary, patients should remain alert and seek advice early if their regular prescription is unavailable.
For anyone taking essential medication, planning ahead and maintaining communication with a pharmacist can help reduce the risk of an interruption in treatment.
Final thoughts
The shortages affecting methylprednisolone 100mg tablets and edoxaban 15mg tablets are another sign of the continuing challenges surrounding medicine supplies in the UK.
Methylprednisolone is used to control inflammation in a number of conditions, while edoxaban is an important anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots and reduce stroke risk in certain patients.
Current guidance indicates that methylprednisolone 100mg tablets are expected to be unavailable until the week commencing October 5, while edoxaban 15mg tablets are expected to return around mid-September. Alternative supplies and treatment options may be available, depending on individual circumstances.
If you take either medicine and are concerned about availability, speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional. Never stop or change prescription medication without appropriate medical advice.
Source
Community Pharmacy England, Department of Health and Social Care medicine supply notifications for methylprednisolone 100mg tablets and edoxaban 15mg tablets, September 2026.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medicine shortages and treatment options can change quickly. Always follow the advice provided by your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop, reduce or change prescription medication without medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek urgent medical assistance.