NEWS

There is no one clear root cause of the current global medicines shortages, and each country will face different challenges with supplies. But factors such as the pandemic, Brexit, reduced supplies from over-used supply routes (such as India) and the Ukraine conflict, all have widespread effects on the availability of medicines. But disruptions in the supply chain can be more than just a minor annoyance for patients trying to get their prescriptions.

When supplies are restricted, pharmacy staff will try to source stock from suppliers or other pharmacies. Where an alternative product already exists, pharmacy staff will contact GPs to ask for prescriptions to be changed to give this to patients. But patients should be made aware if their medication is switched to avoid confusion and any negative side effects.

When major product shortages are reported, serious shortages protocols can be enacted. These help pharmacies to manage medicine shortages without needing to refer patients back to prescribers. For example, if these protocols are enacted pharmacists may supply alternative products (if a patient agrees to this), or adjust prescription quantities – such as giving patients only a one-month supply at a time.

Manufacturers are also legally required to report supply disruptions to the Department of Health and Social Care. This information is fed into the Medicines Supply Tool that advises healthcare professionals on supply issues, actions to take, alternatives to use and expected resolution dates. Local pharmacy staff and GPs will also report any product shortages to government agencies and with patients.