UK Pharmacies Grapple with Severe Co-Codamol Shortage
Pharmacies throughout the United Kingdom are currently facing a significant shortage of a widely used painkiller, co-codamol, with supplies expected to remain critically low for several months. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), representing approximately 6,000 independent community pharmacies, has confirmed that issues with sourcing specific strengths of the medication have been reported nationwide.
Supply Disruptions and Patient Impact
The shortage primarily affects 30mg and 500mg tablets of co-codamol, which is a combination of paracetamol and codeine prescribed for various types of pain, including toothache, period pain, and muscle pain. This disruption is causing a ripple effect, impacting the availability of other strengths as well. Some suppliers have indicated to pharmacists that these supply problems could persist until at least the end of June.
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, "Pharmacies are telling us they have struggled to order in supplies of some strengths of co-codamol, with a number reporting that supply disruption will last at least until June." He emphasized that this is deeply distressing for patients living with severe pain, noting that pharmacists are working tirelessly to find safe alternatives or manage the very limited stock available.
Growing Medicine Supply Issues
According to NHS figures, co-codamol was prescribed at a rate of 1.25 million items per month in 2025, highlighting its widespread use. Mr. Picard added that where pharmacies do have supplies, they are doing everything possible to ensure patients receive the necessary medication. However, he pointed to broader challenges, saying, "We face ever growing issues with medicine supplies which are compounded by the NHS not funding the full cost pharmacies have to pay to get the medicines patients need."
He called for urgent government action to address the growing list of medicine shortages, which are impacting both patients and pharmacists who are at the sharp end of an increasingly difficult supply system. This shortage underscores ongoing concerns about the stability of medication supplies in the UK healthcare sector.
