Search by medicine and postcode, then call the pharmacy before travelling. MediWatch does not guarantee live local stock.
Open medicine locatorWhat the tracker is designed to answer
The problem is not just national shortage data
A national medicine shortage tells you there is a supply problem somewhere in the system. It does not tell you whether the pharmacy five minutes away still has a pack, whether another branch can order it, or whether your prescription can be fulfilled safely today.
That is the gap the MediWatch locator is meant to narrow. It does not replace a pharmacist. It gives patients a better starting point: search the medicine, enter a UK postcode, see nearby pharmacy leads, then call before travelling.
What MediWatch is tracking
The first version combines medicine names, postcode areas, pharmacy locations, availability labels, and source notes. Availability can be shown as confirmed recently, reported by pharmacy, usually stocked, or call to check.
Those labels are deliberately conservative. We would rather understate availability than imply a patient can safely travel without confirming stock.
Where the availability picture can come from
MediWatch already tracks official shortage context from sources such as DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and pharmacy-sector shortage updates. Local availability is a separate layer that can come from pharmacy reports, recent confirmations, structured imports, and future partner feeds.
The live product keeps these ideas separate. A medicine can be in national shortage but still available at a specific pharmacy. A medicine can also have no official national shortage and still be hard to find locally.
Why we do not say "in stock" without a caveat
Pharmacy stock changes quickly. A pack can be reserved, dispensed, returned to wholesaler, or replaced by an alternative presentation. Some medicines also have prescribing, substitution, brand, formulation, or controlled-drug rules.
That is why the locator says to call the pharmacy before travelling and never stop or change medication without medical advice.
How this helps search and AI answers
People do not only search for shortage notices. They search for practical answers: where can I find my medicine, which pharmacy should I call, and what should I do if nobody has it.
The content cluster around the locator is built to answer those questions clearly. Each guide links back to the live medicine locator, and the locator links out to the safety and data-explanation pages.
FAQs
Does MediWatch guarantee pharmacy stock?
No. The tracker shows pharmacy leads and availability signals. You should call the pharmacy before travelling.
Is MediWatch part of the NHS?
No. MediWatch is independent and uses official and pharmacy-sector sources where available.
Can this replace medical advice?
No. It is an information tool. Speak to a pharmacist, GP, specialist, NHS 111, or emergency services if you are unsure or unwell.