UK Medicine Shortages: 114 Medicines Reportedly Facing Supply Problems

Medicine shortages are becoming an increasing concern for patients, pharmacists and healthcare professionals across the UK. Recent reports indicate that more than 100 medicines have appeared on supply-related lists in consecutive months, raising concerns about access to treatments used for heart conditions, mental health, neurological disorders, diabetes and other long-term conditions.

The issue is particularly important for people who depend on regular prescriptions. While a medicine appearing on a shortage or price-concession list does not necessarily mean that every pharmacy will be unable to supply it, it can indicate pressure within the medicines supply chain.

Which medicines are affected?

Information reported in September 2026 identified 114 medicines that appeared on both the July and August lists connected with NHS pharmacy reimbursement and supply pressures.

The medicines cover a wide range of treatment areas. Cardiovascular medicines make up one of the largest groups, with drugs used for blood pressure, heart rhythm, cholesterol management, blood thinning and chest pain among those listed.

Examples include:

• Enalapril
• Lisinopril
• Ramipril
• Candesartan
• Amiodarone
• Digoxin
• Flecainide
• Apixaban
• Rivaroxaban
• Warfarin
• Bisoprolol
• Carvedilol
• Atorvastatin
• Simvastatin
• Aspirin
• Ticagrelor

The list also includes medicines used for neurological and mental health conditions. These include gabapentin, pregabalin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, sertraline and venlafaxine.

Other medicines mentioned include treatments for pain, infections, diabetes, thyroid conditions, gastrointestinal problems, allergies, bladder conditions and glaucoma.

Why are medicine shortages happening?

Medicine supply problems can have several causes, and they are not necessarily linked to one single issue.

One factor highlighted in the source material is the relationship between the price pharmacies receive for medicines and the prices they may have to pay when sourcing stock. NHS pharmacies generally work within set reimbursement arrangements. When the market price of a medicine rises above the amount normally reimbursed, the Department of Health and Social Care can introduce a price concession.

These concessions are intended to recognise situations where pharmacies cannot obtain medicines at the standard reimbursement price. According to the information provided, the relevant list contained 230 medicines at the end of August 2026.

Global pricing pressures and increasing costs can also make medicines more difficult for pharmacies to source. When supply becomes limited, pharmacies may have to contact multiple wholesalers or suppliers before they can obtain enough stock.

What does a medicine shortage mean for patients?

For patients, a shortage can be frustrating and worrying, particularly when the medicine is used to manage a long-term condition.

A shortage does not automatically mean that a patient will be left without treatment. In many cases, pharmacists and prescribers can find another supplier, use an alternative strength or arrange an appropriate alternative medicine where clinically suitable.

However, the process can take time. Patients may be asked to return to a pharmacy later, contact another pharmacy or speak with their GP or prescribing team.

The source material reports that pharmacists have been spending significant amounts of time trying to locate scarce medicines, while GPs may need to change prescriptions in response to availability. It also cites concerns from pharmacy organisations about the potential impact on patient safety.

Mental health and neurological medicines are also affected

Medicine shortages are not limited to cardiovascular treatments.

The reported list includes several medicines used in mental health and neurological care. These include antidepressants such as sertraline, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, nortriptyline and venlafaxine.

There are also medicines used for seizures and nerve pain, including gabapentin, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenobarbital and pregabalin.

For people taking these medicines regularly, suddenly discovering that a prescription cannot be filled can be particularly stressful. Patients should not make changes to their treatment without speaking with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Diabetes and hormone treatments appear on the list

The reported supply concerns also extend to endocrine medicines.

The list includes commonly prescribed diabetes medicines such as metformin, gliclazide and dapagliflozin. Other medicines in this category include levothyroxine, progesterone, tamoxifen and corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and hydrocortisone.

These medicines have very different uses, so the presence of a particular drug on a supply list does not mean every patient taking it will experience a shortage.

Availability can vary depending on the manufacturer, formulation, strength, wholesaler and location.

What should you do if your medicine is unavailable?

If your regular prescription is unavailable, the most important step is to avoid stopping or changing the medicine without professional advice.

Start by speaking with your pharmacist. They can check whether stock is available from another supplier and explain what options may be available.

If the medicine cannot be supplied, the pharmacist may contact the prescriber or advise you about the next appropriate step. Depending on the circumstances, a doctor or other authorised prescriber may be able to prescribe an alternative.

Patients should also avoid buying prescription medicines from unverified online sellers simply because their usual pharmacy does not have stock. Unregulated sources can carry serious risks, including counterfeit or incorrectly supplied medicines.

Why pharmacists are under pressure

Medicine shortages can create additional work for community pharmacies.

The reported figures suggest that pharmacy teams have faced significant challenges when trying to source medicines for patients. The source cites a survey in which 96 per cent of responding pharmacies considered shortages a serious patient-safety risk. It also reports that 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day during the previous year because of supply problems.

This can mean pharmacists spend considerable time contacting suppliers, checking availability and communicating with prescribers.

For patients, this may sometimes appear as a simple delay. Behind the scenes, however, pharmacy teams can be working through several options to find an appropriate supply.

The wider picture

The reported 114 medicines represent a broad cross-section of treatments rather than a single class of drugs. The list includes cardiovascular medicines, antidepressants, neurological treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, diabetes medicines, hormone therapies, painkillers, gastrointestinal medicines and several other categories.

The situation highlights how dependent the healthcare system is on a complex medicines supply chain. Manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, prescribers and government bodies all play a role in ensuring that medicines reach patients.

For patients, the key message is to plan ahead where possible, particularly if a medicine is taken regularly. Ordering prescriptions in good time can give pharmacies more opportunity to source stock if an item is temporarily unavailable.

Final thoughts

Medicine shortages can be unsettling, but patients should not assume that appearing on a shortage-related list means their prescription will definitely be unavailable.

Supply can change quickly, and availability may differ between pharmacies and regions. If you are concerned about a particular medicine, your pharmacist or prescribing healthcare professional is the best source of advice about your individual treatment.

Most importantly, do not stop taking a prescribed medicine or change your dose simply because you have read that it may be affected by supply problems. Seek professional advice first.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. A medicine being mentioned in a shortage-related report does not necessarily mean that it is unavailable in your area. Medicine availability can change, and individual treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop, reduce or change a prescribed medicine without first speaking with your doctor, pharmacist or another appropriate healthcare professional.