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Ishita Roy

UK Faces Shortage Of This Common Pain Medicine Till June

UK To Face Shortage Of This Common Pain Medicine Till June

A shortage of prescription-strength co-codamol is set to continue until at least June, leaving thousands of chronic pain patients across the UK uncertain about how they will manage daily symptoms. The Scottish government has confirmed limited availability of the strongest 30/500mg tablets, while health boards warn alternative medicines may not fully cover demand.

The shortage is linked to delays in authorization by the Indian government for exporting key codeine-based ingredients needed to manufacture the drug.

Many patients say they first learned of the disruption through calls from local health services. Some have already been advised to slowly reduce their dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Jocelin Harrison, who has relied on the medication for more than three decades after five spinal surgeries, said she was contacted by NHS Lanarkshire and instructed to cut down gradually.

“The only advice I’ve been given so far was to reduce the tablets and try to manage my withdrawal symptoms,” she said, as reported by the <em>BBC</em>.

“I was not offered any other advice or possible replacement pain killers and it’s a great worry for me and other chronic pain sufferers throughout <span>Scotland</span> and the UK.”

Doctors warn that abruptly stopping co-codamol can trigger headaches, nausea, sweating and a sudden increase in pain, particularly for long-term users.

<h2>Why Does This Drug Matter So Much?</h2>

Co-codamol combines paracetamol with the opioid codeine and is commonly prescribed after surgery or for persistent musculoskeletal conditions. It comes in three strengths: 8mg, 15mg and 30mg of codeine with 500mg paracetamol.

The lowest strength is available over the counter, but the stronger forms require a prescription and are widely used by patients with chronic pain. Because codeine can cause dependence, tapering rather than stopping suddenly is considered essential.

Health boards say supplies of alternative strengths are also limited, making it difficult to simply switch everyone onto another version.

Guidance issued locally states patients, except those undergoing cancer treatment, should gradually reduce usage until stopping completely. No new patients will be started on the medication until supplies stabilize.

NHS Grampian has urged pharmacists to prioritize existing stock carefully. However, it stopped short of telling patients to immediately begin cutting back, highlighting variation in local guidance.

Officials acknowledge substitutes exist, but warn they cannot meet the expected rise in demand from patients switching medicines.

<h2>Authorities Now Work On Solution</h2>

Scotland’s chief pharmaceutical officer Alison Strath said the issue ultimately sits with UK-wide medicine supply systems but confirmed discussions are ongoing.

“Supply issues are expected until June 2026 and we are in regular contact with the UK government to seek assurances they are doing all they can to resolve this,” she said, adding that affected patients will be contacted directly about alternative treatment options.

The UK Department of Health and Social Care said most medicines remain readily available and manufacturers are working to restore production.

The shortage highlights the global nature of generic drug manufacturing. Medicines such as co-codamol 30/500mg are typically produced using ingredients sourced from India and China, meaning regulatory or production delays overseas can quickly affect patients at home.

For now, patients are being urged not to contact GP practices unless advised and to wait for further instructions from their health providers.

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A shortage of prescription-strength co-codamol is set to continue until at least June, leaving thousands of chronic pain patients across the UK uncertain about how they will manage daily symptoms. The Scottish government has confirmed limited availability of the strongest 30/500mg tablets, while health boards warn alternative medicines may not fully cover demand.The shortage is linked to delays in authorization by the Indian government for exporting key codeine-based ingredients needed to manufacture the drug.Patients Told To Taper UseMany patients say they first learned of the disruption through calls from local health services. Some have already been advised to slowly reduce their dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.Jocelin Harrison, who has relied on the medication for more than three decades after five spinal surgeries, said she was contacted by NHS Lanarkshire and instructed to cut down gradually.“The only advice I’ve been given so far was to reduce the tablets and try to manage my withdrawal symptoms,” she said, as reported by the BBC.“I was not offered any other advice or possible replacement pain killers and it’s a great worry for me and other chronic pain sufferers throughout Scotland and the UK.”Doctors warn that abruptly stopping co-codamol can trigger headaches, nausea, sweating and a sudden increase in pain, particularly for long-term users.Why Does This Drug Matter So Much?Co-codamol combines paracetamol with the opioid codeine and is commonly prescribed after surgery or for persistent musculoskeletal conditions. It comes in three strengths: 8mg, 15mg and 30mg of codeine with 500mg paracetamol.The lowest strength is available over the counter, but the stronger forms require a prescription and are widely used by patients with chronic pain. Because codeine can cause dependence, tapering rather than stopping suddenly is considered essential.Health boards say supplies of alternative strengths are also limited, making it difficult to simply switch everyone onto another version.Guidance issued locally states patients, except those undergoing cancer treatment, should gradually reduce usage until stopping completely. No new patients will be started on the medication until supplies stabilize.What Are The Alternatives?NHS Grampian has urged pharmacists to prioritize existing stock carefully. However, it stopped short of telling patients to immediately begin cutting back, highlighting variation in local guidance.Officials acknowledge substitutes exist, but warn they cannot meet the expected rise in demand from patients switching medicines.Authorities Now Work On SolutionScotland’s chief pharmaceutical officer Alison Strath said the issue ultimately sits with UK-wide medicine supply systems but confirmed discussions are ongoing.“Supply issues are expected until June 2026 and we are in regular contact with the UK government to seek assurances they are doing all they can to resolve this,” she said, adding that affected patients will be contacted directly about alternative treatment options.The UK Department of Health and Social Care said most medicines remain readily available and manufacturers are working to restore production.The shortage highlights the global nature of generic drug manufacturing. Medicines such as co-codamol 30/500mg are typically produced using ingredients sourced from India and China, meaning regulatory or production delays overseas can quickly affect patients at home.For now, patients are being urged not to contact GP practices unless advised and to wait for further instructions from their health providers.