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The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has issued a stark warning regarding a significant and ongoing shortage of co-codamol tablets, affecting pharmacies across the UK. This situation, which could extend until at least June, poses serious implications for millions of patients relying on this widely used pain relief medication.
Widespread Shortages Impacting Patient Care
The NPA, representing around 6,000 independent community pharmacies, has reported considerable difficulties in sourcing specific strengths of co-codamol, particularly the 30mg and 500mg formulations. This supply disruption has ramifications for various other dosages as well, creating a ripple effect that could leave patients in distress. Olivier Picard, the chair of the NPA, confirmed that many pharmacists are facing challenges in ordering these essential supplies, with suppliers suggesting that the situation may not improve until late June.
“This is deeply distressing for patients living with severe pain, and pharmacists are working tirelessly to find safe alternatives or manage very limited stock,” Picard stated. The urgency of this shortage cannot be overstated, especially given the critical role co-codamol plays in managing pain associated with conditions such as toothache, menstrual cramps, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Co-Codamol: A Staple in Pain Management
Co-codamol combines paracetamol and codeine, making it an effective option for alleviating moderate pain. According to NHS statistics, approximately 1.25 million prescriptions for co-codamol were issued each month in 2025, underscoring its significance in the healthcare system. As this shortage unfolds, pharmacies are striving to manage their limited supplies judiciously, ensuring that patients receive the medication they require.
“Where pharmacies have supplies, they will be doing all they can to manage them to ensure patients get the medication they need,” Picard added. However, the increasing challenges in medicine supply chains are prevalent. The NPA has highlighted that the NHS is not fully funding the costs pharmacies incur to procure the medicines necessary for patient care.
The Need for Government Intervention
The situation has prompted calls for immediate action from the government. The NPA has urged the Department of Health and Social Care to address the growing concerns surrounding medicine shortages, which are not only impacting patients but also placing pharmacists in a challenging position.
“The Government must urgently act to address a growing list of medicine shortages impacting patients and pharmacists alike, who end up at the sharp end of an increasingly difficult medicine supply system,” Picard asserted. Without intervention, the health and well-being of countless individuals could be jeopardised, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to this crisis.
Why it Matters
The shortage of co-codamol is not merely a logistical issue; it directly affects the health outcomes of individuals suffering from chronic and acute pain. As pharmacies struggle to maintain adequate supplies, patients may have to endure unnecessary suffering or seek alternative treatments that may not be as effective. This situation calls for a coordinated response from health authorities and the government to ensure that such essential medications remain accessible, ultimately safeguarding public health and patient safety.
