UK Medicine Shortages Raise Serious Patient Safety Concerns, Pharmacists Warn

Medicine shortages in the UK have reached critical levels, raising serious concerns about patient safety. Pharmacists report shortages of common medications such as painkillers, antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, and treatments for conditions including epilepsy, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, ADHD, and menopause. According to experienced pharmacist Ashley Cohen, the current situation is the worst he has witnessed in nearly 35 years of practice. Interruptions in treatment may lead to severe consequences, including seizures, hospitalizations, and even death.

Several factors contribute to the crisis, including rising global medicine prices, inadequate government funding, and supply chain disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions and shipping delays. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing countries willing to pay higher prices, leaving the UK struggling to secure sufficient stock.

Patients have been particularly affected by shortages of Creon, a vital medicine for individuals with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis. Some have resorted to traveling abroad or purchasing medicines privately. Professional organizations, including the National Pharmacy Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners, warn that shortages are placing additional pressure on healthcare services and causing distress among patients and pharmacy staff. They are calling for urgent government action, improved supply chains, and greater flexibility for pharmacists to provide safe alternative medications when shortages occur.

Hill, P. (2026, June 17). Drug shortages spark ‘serious risk’ as painkillers, antibiotics and blood pressure medicine running low in UK. Daily Mirror. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/drug-shortages-uk-medicine-painkillers-37310970