Shortage of Medication

jane52
jane52 Online Community Member Posts: 82 Contributor
in People power

Happy New Year Everyone

Had difficulty accessing medication not supposed to change in 2025 as it has adverse affect if I change it. This is happening again.

This medication shortage issue was taken to parliament by more than one disability charity in 2025. Have spoken with disability charity, but just get through to helpline who are less helpful as it is another department that deals with it. Wondering whether to write to my MP as he does pay attention to emails and played helpful role when the Pip issues were at play in 2025.

Spoke to helpline of organisation of brand of medication I need who said medication would not be available for another month. That is too long. Anyone know why shortages are so long? Luckily I had made sure I had spare supply. Had to go to a different town to find a pharmacist who would agree to look for medication for me, but they will not be able to access it until company that makes the brand provides it.

Thinking about most constructive next steps e.g. email charity, email mp, both; email g.p. re shortage so I have spare prescriptions.

Interested if this is something other people have managed and what has worked for them.

All good wishes

Jane

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Comments

  • Santosha12
    Santosha12 Online Community Member Posts: 3,119 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/140826/shortage-of-medication

    Hi @Jane52, I think it depends on the medication and possibly, where it's sourced. I'm on creon (pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy), I cannot eat anything without it and there is a Europe-wide shortage due to a lack of raw materials (pigs, as it comes from their pancreas). The shortage is supposed to be remedied by the Spring. I've been able to get a regular supply from Boots thankfully but it's not guaranteed.

    I recall reading something that somebody was writing to government to try and get it in from the US. I personally haven't done anything about it but I don't think they have.

    There was a really bad shortage of HRT too which I'm not sure has been resolved.

    Sorry none of this probably helps you. Your MP is likely a good starting point. I wondered if some of the supply issues were because of Brexit but I don't know that.

    A Happy New Year to you too and I really hope you can get what you need. It adds another layer of stress; I had to ring around 8 pharmacies to be able to get creon c 6 months ago. Couldn't even get it from my prescribing hospital which is c 30 miles away/can't get there and they won't allow advance ordering or stockpiling which I understand.

    The only other organisation that comes to mind is I think it's the MHRA (yellow card) but they're for reporting medical/prescribing issues/harm but still might be worth giving them a call.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,828 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @jane52. I've had a quick look and there was a report done on the medication shortage here. This is what they say is the cause of the shortages:

    "Medicines shortages stem from a complex interplay of factors, including manufacturing issues, supply chain vulnerabilities, increased demand, and geopolitical events. The global nature of pharmaceutical supply chains means disruptions in one region can have far-reaching consequences. Economic factors, such as pricing pressures and market consolidation, also contribute to the problem."

    And here is what they're planning to do:

    "Various measures are being implemented to tackle medicines shortages, including regulatory interventions, enhanced communication channels, and collaborative initiatives. Efforts are underway to improve supply chain resilience, diversify manufacturing sources, and enhance data visibility. However, these steps require further coordination and investment to achieve meaningful impact."

    I think contacting your MP is a great idea as it will keep the issue at the forefront of their mind. It's a serious issue that needs to be addressed quickly.

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