Having access to your medication when you need it, is important and is a fundamental aspect of public health, ensuring the public can manage their health conditions effectively and live healthier lives. Healthwatch Wandsworth have worked with the local NHS to share more information on this topic.
We understand that sometimes when we need medication there are many factors that prevent us from having immediate access to it, such as global shortages, it’s out of stock in certain areas or your local pharmacy doesn’t stock the medication.
Supply chains for medicines are long and complex and shortages can be caused by multiple factors. These include manufacturing or distribution problems and increased demand for medicines. Also, political matters such as Brexit and conflicts in certain countries can have huge impacts. Covid-19 has also had an impact on supply chains too.
The House of Commons Research Briefing on Medicines Shortages discusses in more detail the causes and consequences of shortages and what the government is doing in response.
Community Pharmacy England have produced an information leaflet which answers frequently asked questions and explains why shortages can happen and why some pharmacies may have your medication available over others.
Recommendations for patients
1. Order your medication allowing plenty of time but DO NOT stock up, only order what you need. It’s important that you don’t stock up as other people need access to the medication too and over ordering can make supply problems worse.
2. If your usual pharmacy is out of stock, try a different pharmacy. You may want to consider telephoning ahead to check stock before travelling.
3. If a medicine is out of stock your local pharmacy and GP practice will work together and may suggest an alternative medicine as a temporary option.
Pharmacies are trying hard to source affected medicines so please so bear with them until the national issues have resolved.