Pharmacies, patients alarmed over rising shortages of critical medicines in UK

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Pharmacies and patients alike are grappling with the fallout of an increasing number of medicines experiencing shortages, with critical implications for those reliant on these drugs to manage life-threatening conditions, according to the latest report by Community Pharmacy England (CPE).

The report said the situation has escalated over the past year, affecting medications crucial for treating ailments ranging from epilepsy and ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) to menopause and bipolar disorder.

It also underscored a worrying trend in the pharmaceutical landscape, where medicines vital for maintaining health and well-being are becoming increasingly elusive.

"Patients and community pharmacies are continuing to be hit by medicines supply problems on a regular basis," said Janet Morrison, chief executive of a prominent healthcare organization.

Morrison emphasized that these supply issues have consistently ranked among the top pressures faced by pharmacies, with recent polling indicating a worsening scenario.

Pharmacies across the board have voiced concerns over the unprecedented nature of the shortages, fearing the dire consequences for their patients.

Among the medications affected are crucial treatments for epilepsy, ADHD, menopause, bipolar disorder, and cystic fibrosis.

The scarcity of these drugs has resulted in significant delays in patients receiving their prescribed medications, leading to heightened anxiety and distress.