Medicine Shortage FAQ

A medicine shortage occurs when the supply of a prescription medication cannot meet patient demand. This can be localised (one pharmacy) or nationwide. The DHSC monitors and manages shortages across the UK.

You can check MedWatch's shortage tracker, the DHSC medicine supply notifications, or ask your pharmacist directly. Full guide here.

Ask your pharmacist to check other wholesalers, try other pharmacies, request an emergency supply if urgent, and contact your GP for an alternative. Full step-by-step guide.

An SSP is a legal instrument issued by the DHSC that allows pharmacists to supply approved alternatives without a new prescription. It's issued when a medicine is officially confirmed as being in short supply.

If a Serious Shortage Protocol is active, yes — they can supply approved alternatives. Otherwise, for most generic medicines, pharmacists can switch between brands. For some medicines (especially epilepsy drugs), brand matters and your prescriber should be consulted.

Yes. Pharmacists can provide emergency supplies of most prescription medicines if you have immediate need and the medicine has been previously prescribed for you. Supply is limited to up to 30 days. Controlled drugs have more restrictions.

No. The standard NHS prescription charge applies regardless of supply difficulties. If an SSP alternative is dispensed, you pay the same charge. You should never be charged more because a medicine is in short supply.

ADHD medication shortages have persisted since 2023 due to surging demand (400% increase in prescriptions over a decade) combined with controlled substance production quotas. Full ADHD shortage report.

The HRT supply situation has improved significantly since the 2022 crisis. Most products are now widely available, though some patches and progesterone products face intermittent issues. Latest HRT updates.

Yes — you can use any pharmacy in the UK with no paperwork needed. Different pharmacies use different wholesalers and may have different stock. How to switch guide.

Sometimes. Online pharmacies may source from different wholesalers and have larger central inventories. Always verify they're GPhC-registered. Online vs high street comparison.

You're entitled to reasonable efforts from your pharmacist, emergency supplies when clinically needed, alternatives under SSPs at no extra charge, and clinical support from your GP. Full rights guide.

Complain first to the pharmacy or GP practice directly, then escalate to NHS England, then the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if needed. Complaints process guide.

No — stockpiling worsens shortages for everyone. Instead, maintain a small 1-2 week buffer by ordering prescriptions promptly. Legal buffer guide.

Yes, any GMC-registered doctor can issue a private prescription and private pharmacies may have different supply lines. However, you'll pay the full cost of the medicine. Private prescriptions guide.

Multiple factors: manufacturing concentration in Asia, ageing populations, Brexit regulatory changes, increasing global demand, climate disruptions, and commercial decisions by manufacturers. Why shortages happen.

MedWatch UK is a free service that tracks medicine shortages using official DHSC and NHS data. We alert patients when their medication faces supply issues so they can take action before running out. How we work.

We aggregate data from DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications, NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols, MHRA alerts, manufacturer communications, and pharmacy reports. All data is verified before publication.

No. MedWatch shortage alerts are completely free. Sign up here.

Yes, but plan ahead. Stock up before travelling, carry a GP letter, and check destination country rules — especially for controlled drugs. Travel guide.

This is a medical priority. Contact your neurologist or epilepsy nurse immediately. Do not stop epilepsy medication abruptly. Emergency supply or A&E may be needed. Epilepsy switching risks.

For the vast majority of medicines, yes. Generics contain the same active ingredient and must demonstrate bioequivalence. A few medicines (certain epilepsy drugs, transplant drugs, lithium) require brand consistency. Generic vs branded guide.