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Pharmacies 'Ration' Medication Taken by Millions as Shortage Hits UK
Eighty-six percent of UK pharmacies reported aspirin shortages this week, prompting export bans and rationing to protect patients with acute heart conditions, officials said.
- A snap survey of 540 pharmacies found 86% of UK pharmacies could not supply aspirin in the previous seven days, last week.
- Because the NHS reimburses 2.18 per packet, an average pharmacy loses 1.72 each time, and manufacturing delays with ordering limits have reduced stock, the NPA and Independent Pharmacies Association say.
- Pharmacies are tightly rationing supplies for patients with acute heart conditions and emergency prescriptions, while several community pharmacies have stopped over-the-counter sales, worsening shortages of the 75mg aspirin dose.
- The Government recently added aspirin to its export ban to protect UK patients, and the National Pharmacy Association is urging reform to allow local pharmacists to supply safe alternatives amid shortages.
- Prices jumped from 18p earlier last year to £3.90 this month, and current 1968 rules forbid pharmacists from switching formulations, prompting the National Pharmacy Association to urge reforms.
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Politico EuropeReposted by 
CDE News
CDE NewsUK pharmacists report major aspirin shortage
86 percent of pharmacies reported a shortage of the crucial drug.
·Brussels, Belgium
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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