1. MedWatch UK (This Site)
Our shortage tracker aggregates data from official sources and presents it in a patient-friendly format. You can search by medicine name and see current status, expected resolution, and recommended actions. Sign up for free alerts to be notified automatically.
2. DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications
The Department of Health and Social Care publishes notifications about medicine supply disruptions. These are primarily aimed at healthcare professionals but are publicly accessible. They provide the most authoritative information about confirmed shortages.
3. NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols
If an SSP has been issued for your medicine, it's officially confirmed as being in short supply. The NHSBSA publishes all active SSPs on their website, including what alternatives pharmacists are authorised to supply.
4. Ask Your Pharmacist
Your pharmacist has real-time visibility into stock levels through their wholesaler systems. They can tell you:
- Whether your medicine is currently in stock or on order
- Whether their wholesaler shows it as available, limited, or out of stock
- Whether it's a local issue or a wider shortage
- When stock is expected to return
5. SPS (Specialist Pharmacy Service)
The NHS SPS website publishes shortage information and clinical guidance for healthcare professionals. While aimed at pharmacists, the shortage lists are publicly accessible.
Understanding Shortage Status
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available | No known supply issues — widely available |
| ⚠️ Limited | Reduced availability — some pharmacies may not have stock |
| ⚠️ Intermittent | Supply comes and goes — may need to try multiple pharmacies |
| ❌ Unavailable | Not currently available from normal supply channels |
| 🔄 Improving | Was short but supply is recovering |
Related
Page last updated: 7 February 2026. Data checked daily.