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<\/p>\nTHE NHS is facing severe shortages of at least 13 common medications, including antibiotics, contraceptives and HRT.<\/p>\n
A trade body representing medicine manufacturers and suppliers has raised the alarm over 'record' supply issues. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) institutes what's know as a serious shortage protocol (SSP) when it deems there is a serious shortage of a specific medicine. <\/p>\n
They allow pharmacists to substitute your prescribed meds with an appropriate alternative if they can't get hold of the drugs you usually take. <\/p>\n
Currently, there are three active SSPs in place for Estradot patches – a hormone replacement therapy treatment – and two different strengths of Clarithromycin, an antibiotic that's used to treat bacterial infections. <\/p>\n
But the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), a trade body representing manufacturers and suppliers of generic medicines, has warned that as many as 111 products are currently facing supply problems – though this doesn't necessarily mean they are in short supply. <\/p>\n
The BGMA said it uses data sources such as NHS England<\/span> and the DHSC to put together a monthly dashboard that shows what UK medicine supply is like. <\/p>\n It warned that the number of products facing supply issues is "the highest on record" and double the amount recorded at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n Half of the products affected are generic drugs – these are non-branded products. <\/p>\n The drugs affected by supply problems according to the BGMA include: <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Mark Samuels, Chief Executive of the BGMA, said: \u201cSupply issues for generic medicines are on the rise and patients are sadly being impacted, as they represent four out of five NHS prescriptions."<\/p>\n Meanwhile, a new report published by the Independent Commission on UK-EU relations warned that NHS patients face a \u201cvery worrying\u201d risk due to \u201csevere delays\u201d in drugs supplies. <\/p>\n It said shortages have affected a number of medicines "across the board" since Brexit due to new regulatory barriers and costly paperwork involved in customs declarations.<\/p>\n Some of the UK\u2019s regulatory processes for medicines are no longer valid in the EU, which creates extra delays and costs for the NHS. <\/p>\n It also means that NHS managers and pharmacists can't stockpile as many drugs, so they're more likely to run low.<\/p>\n Chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, Janet Morrison, said: \u201cMedicine shortages and market instability appear to be as bad as they have ever been and are making life incredibly difficult for community pharmacies and their patients."<\/p>\n She cited also "the current war in Ukraine, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and broader economic instability" as factors contributing to medicine supply chain issues. <\/p>\n Navin Khosla, Pharmacist at NowPatient, said: \u201cAlthough no official statement has been made by the NHS, several news outlets have published articles which could indicate a drug shortage is happening in the UK, with Brexit being the main culprit."<\/p>\n He said shortages are said to include antibiotics, as well as ADHD and blood pressure medication, antidepressants and HRT. <\/p>\n When asked if we should be worried about being able to access our meds, Navin said: \u201cThe simple answer to this is no."<\/p>\n He added: "Between the relevant members of the government and NHS leaders, procedures are put in place to deal with any potential issues relating to drug shortages.<\/p>\n "At most, you may have a short delay in obtaining your medication, which is a frequent occurrence across the UK, but you should be back to normal after a few days."<\/p>\n But if you're still concerned about your prescription, he recommended three things you can do. <\/p>\n Navin recommended you speak to your local pharmacist it you're concerned about a shortage of a medication you have been prescribed.<\/p>\n "They may be able to give you a smaller quantity while the rest of your prescription is on order, meaning you won\u2019t miss out on taking your medication," he said. <\/p>\n "If your local pharmacy can\u2019t provide you with the medication you require, then it\u2019s important to remember that you can transfer to a different pharmacy as they may have the medication in stock," Navin went on. <\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/prescription-drug-lowering-cholesterol-pfizers-3808312-1.jpg\")
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Should I be worried I won\u2019t be able to get my medication?<\/h2>\n
1. Speak to your pharmacist<\/h2>\n
2. Try an alternative pharmacy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Read More on The Sun<\/h2>\n
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