History of UK Drug Shortages: 2010-2026

Timeline of Major Events

2010-2015: The Early Warning Signs

Medicine shortages were already increasing globally. The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists began annual surveys showing rising shortage rates across Europe. In the UK, pharmacists reported spending more time managing unavailable products, but the issue received little public attention.

2016: The Brexit Vote

The June 2016 referendum result triggered immediate concerns about medicine supply. The pharmaceutical industry warned that leaving the EU's regulatory framework could disrupt the supply of the 37 million medicine packs that crossed the UK-EU border monthly. Read about Brexit's impact →

2018-2019: No-Deal Brexit Preparations

As no-deal Brexit became a possibility, the government activated "Operation Yellowhammer" — stockpiling medicines, securing additional freight capacity, and establishing alternative supply routes. Pharmaceutical companies were required to hold 6 weeks of extra stock. These preparations, while disruptive, ultimately built infrastructure that proved useful during COVID.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic stress-tested the UK's medicine supply chain like never before. Demand surged for hospital medicines, patients stockpiled chronic medications, and international supply chains were disrupted by lockdowns. The government deployed its strategic stockpile and enacted emergency legislation. How COVID changed supply →

2021-2022: HRT Crisis

Surging demand for HRT, driven by awareness campaigns and celebrity advocacy, overwhelmed supply from a small number of manufacturers. The crisis led to the appointment of an HRT Supply Lead and the introduction of the HRT Prepayment Certificate. HRT shortage updates →

2022-2023: Strep A and Antibiotic Shortages

An unusual winter Strep A outbreak in late 2022 caused extraordinary demand for antibiotics, particularly liquid formulations for children. Amoxicillin and penicillin V supplies were depleted, causing widespread concern among parents. Amoxicillin shortage details →

2023-Present: ADHD Medication Shortage

The longest-running active shortage in the UK. A surge in ADHD diagnoses — particularly among adults — has outstripped manufacturing capacity for controlled substance medications. Current ADHD shortage status →

Lessons from History

• Shortages are getting more frequent and more severe — this is a structural trend, not a series of one-off events
• Government response improves after each crisis, but is always reactive rather than preventive
• Patient advocacy is effective — the HRT and ADHD communities have driven policy change through sustained campaigning
• Supply chain resilience requires long-term investment, not just crisis management
• Digital tools and data are becoming essential for early warning and response

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