A record drug shortage could leave patients struggling to get hormone replacement therapy, contraceptives and heart pills, industry leaders warn.
The British Generic Medicines Manufacturers Association (BGMA) said a dispute over payments could affect a wide range of common medicines.
The trade association, which represents manufacturers and suppliers, said around 111 drugs – from antibiotics to epilepsy drugs – were experiencing supply problems.
This is the highest level ever and more than twice as many drugs as at the beginning of last year.
The BGMA blames an NHS drug levy and says the rising tax is preventing pharmaceutical companies from supplying medicines to the UK.
The trade association, which represents manufacturers and suppliers, said around 111 drugs – from antibiotics to epilepsy drugs – are facing supply problems (stock image)
Instead, they are increasingly moving their limited supplies elsewhere, often leaving pharmacists looking for alternatives.
To avoid overwhelming the NHS, drugmakers will be taxed if healthcare costs for branded drugs rise by more than 2 per cent a year.
Under the Voluntary Branded Medicines Prices and Access Scheme (VPAS) agreement, taxes paid by manufacturers depend on the NHS medicines bill.
While this rate was 5.1 percent two years ago, it has risen to 26.5 percent this year, making Britain unattractive for companies, according to the BGMA.
Chief executive Mark Samuels said: “The problems with the supply of generic medicines are increasing and patients are unfortunately being affected as they account for four out of five NHS prescriptions.”
The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) said a dispute over payments could affect a range of generic medicines (stock image)
“It’s not about making less profit, but rather about losses as a direct result of VPAS.”
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, head of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said community pharmacists reported that one in 10 medicines were in short supply.
She said: “It has reached crisis proportions and is impacting the entire industry.”
“You have to spend many hours getting medication for patients.” Added to this is running a pharmacy in these difficult times when many are closing their doors permanently due to underfunding.”
Shortages of HRT drugs have been a problem for some time and were highlighted in the ‘Fix the HRT Crisis’ email campaign.
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We have not seen convincing evidence that higher payment rates cause delivery problems given the measures available.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
