Pharmacies across the UK are facing significant shortages of aspirin, a critical medication used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in vulnerable patients. In response to the crisis, the UK Government has added aspirin to its export ban list to ensure that domestic supplies remain available for patients in need.
Both the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Independent Pharmacies Association, representing a combined total of over 11,000 pharmacies, have reported difficulties in sourcing the drug. Manufacturing delays have been identified as a key factor contributing to the shortage. Consequently, pharmacists are now rationing aspirin, prioritizing it for patients with urgent heart conditions or those requiring emergency prescriptions.
The NPA conducted a survey of 540 pharmacies this week, revealing that 86 percent were unable to supply aspirin to patients within the past seven days. The shortage is particularly acute for the 75mg dosage, although all forms of aspirin are affected. In light of these challenges, many pharmacies have ceased over-the-counter sales of the medication entirely.
As the crisis deepens, the NPA has highlighted a dramatic increase in costs associated with aspirin. For instance, the price of a packet of 75mg dispersible aspirin has surged from 18 pence last year to £3.90 this month. Despite this rise, the National Health Service (NHS) only reimburses pharmacies £2.18 per packet, leaving pharmacies to incur a loss of £1.72 each time they dispense the medication.
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, expressed concern over the implications for patients, stating, “We’re concerned about reports of pharmacies being unable to order in stocks of aspirin and the implications this might have for the patients they serve.” He criticized the current NHS reimbursement structure, indicating it signals a need for substantial reform.
Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as “incredibly worrying.” She noted that the low stock levels are partly due to manufacturing delays, but also because pharmacies struggle to order the quantities needed. “The reality is that the prices paid for many medicines by the NHS are so low that manufacturers often prioritize supplying other countries instead,” she explained.
Dr. Hannbeck further emphasized, “When limited stock becomes available, prices shoot up to levels that become unaffordable for pharmacies to order, leaving them severely out of pocket. It is vital that the Government urgently reviews how medicines are reimbursed to pharmacies; otherwise, these shortages will only worsen.”
For those affected by the shortage, Dr. Hannbeck advises consulting local pharmacists, who can recommend suitable alternatives where available. The NPA is advocating for reforms in regulations that restrict pharmacies from providing alternative medications when the prescribed drug is out of stock.
Mr. Picard stated, “We’ve long called for pharmacists to be able to make substitutions where a medicine is not in stock and it is safe to supply an alternative. The status quo is not only frustrating for patients, it is also dangerous.” He noted that sending patients back to their General Practitioner for a new prescription when a safe alternative is available poses significant risks to patient safety.
Shortages continue to be a pressing concern for both patients and community pharmacies. According to James Davies, director of research and insights at Community Pharmacy England, “As shortages continue to take a toll on patients and pharmacy teams across the country, Government and the NHS must intervene now to stabilize the medicines market, tackle supply chain disruptions, and improve access to essential medications for patients.”
The impact of the aspirin shortage extends beyond cardiovascular patients. Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, highlighted that individuals with chronic kidney disease, who may also require low-dose aspirin to mitigate their risk of strokes and heart attacks, are equally affected.
As the situation develops, it remains crucial for the government and healthcare authorities to address these shortages promptly to safeguard patient health and ensure the availability of essential medications.
