Warning over major shortage of popular painkiller — ‘ration it now’ | UK | News
Patients have been urged to ration supplies of the painkiller co-codamol amid a shortage expected to last for months across the UK. Pharmacists were alarmed last week about problems in the supply of tablets, which are expected to continue until June. The combination pain reliever contains paracetamol and codeine and is often used to treat muscle aches, migraines and toothaches.
The Department of Health and Social Care has told prescribers not to start treating new patients with 30mg/500mg doses of the drug and has advised on alternative medicines. Meanwhile, patients already taking co-codamol have been advised on how to use their supplies. Some NHS medical boards in Scotland have reportedly advised patients to start reducing their doses by around one tablet per week. NHS Lanarkshire said: “We are asking all patients (except patients being treated for cancer) to start reducing the number of tablets they take.
“You should do this gradually over the next few weeks and then stop completely. If you have been taking your co-codamol tablets every day, you should start reducing your tablets now.”
NHS Grampian said patients could use the shortage “as a chance to consider whether co-codamol is the best medicine for you”. It is recommended that patients reduce their dosage by approximately one tablet every 1-2 weeks.
The health board added: “Due to supply issues you may need to taper off more quickly, for example a single dose of one tablet every three to seven days.
“Some people may notice flu-like symptoms, sweating, or feeling jittery when tapering off co-codamol use. These usually resolve within a few days.”
Dr. is the general manager of the Independent Pharmacists Association, which represents approximately 5,000 pharmacies. Leyla Hannbeck told The Sun that people taking co-codamol “should ration their stock until supplies stabilize over the summer months”.
The shortage is linked to the Indian government delaying permission to import ingredients needed to make the drug, the BBC reported.
Olivier Picard, president of the National Association of Pharmacists, said: “Pharmacies across the country are struggling to get hold of some of the strengths of co-codamol, with many suppliers indicating the disruption could last until at least June.
“This is extremely distressing for patients living with severe pain and pharmacists are working tirelessly to find safe alternatives or manage very limited stocks.
“When pharmacies have supplies, they will do their best to manage them to ensure patients get the medications they need.”
