The NPA has produced two leaflets to help pharmacy teams inform patients and prescribers about the medicines shortage crisis. Medicines shortages are becoming increasingly routine, with even commonly prescribed drugs now being difficult to obtain from wholesalers.

The aim of the leaflets, which have been tailored for patients and prescribers, is to provide answers to the common questions that may be asked during this difficult time. In addition, it identifies ways in which pharmacy teams, patients and prescribers can work together to help manage the issue and reduce the detrimental impact it may have on patient care. The leaflets are available to download from the NPA website:

• Medicines shortage – coping in the crisis (patient information leaflet)
• Medicines shortage – pharmacies falling short? (prescriber information leaflet)

Each of the leaflets covers:

• Potential reasons behind the increase in medicines shortages.
• What community pharmacists and their teams are doing to help.
• How patients and prescribers can help to reduce the potential impact of medicines shortages.

The patient focused leaflet also sets out a number of DOs and

DONT’Ts aimed at promoting patient safety and managing patients’ expectations during periods of shortage.

Meanwhile, the prescriber focused leaflet explains what community pharmacies can do during shortages, and how prescribers can work with them to minimise the shortage itself as well as any anxiety it might cause patients.

In addition to the burden of severe cuts, many pharmacy teams may be facing pressure from patients and prescribers due to the increasing frequency of medicines shortages. The NPA aims to support its members at a time where working together is no longer a choice, but instead a necessity.

For further information on this or any other query, please contact the NPA on 01727 891 800 or email pharmacyservices@npa.co.uk.