Most Commonly Shorted Medicines in the UK

Top 20 Most Frequently Shorted Medicines

Based on DHSC supply notifications and pharmacy reports from 2023-2026:

Patterns and Trends

ADHD Medications Dominate

ADHD medications account for the most persistent shortages in the UK. The combination of rapidly growing demand (400% increase in prescriptions over a decade) and controlled-substance production limits creates a structural supply gap. Read our full ADHD shortage analysis →

Mental Health Medicines Are Vulnerable

Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics appear frequently on shortage lists. Many are available from limited manufacturers, and demand has grown significantly post-pandemic as mental health needs have increased. See our mental health medication report →

Liquid Formulations Are Disproportionately Affected

You'll notice liquid/suspension formulations appear more often than tablets or capsules. This is because liquid medicines have shorter shelf lives, fewer manufacturers, and are more complex to produce. This particularly affects children and elderly patients who can't swallow tablets.

Seasonal Patterns Are Predictable

Antibiotics and some respiratory medicines follow seasonal patterns, with shortages peaking in winter. Better demand forecasting could help manufacturers prepare, but the variability of flu and respiratory seasons makes precise prediction difficult.

HRT Is Improving

After the crisis of 2022-2023, HRT supply has stabilised significantly. New suppliers, expanded manufacturing, and the appointment of an HRT supply coordinator have all helped. However, occasional disruptions still occur for specific products. Latest HRT updates →

Why Some Medicines Are More Vulnerable

Medicines most prone to shortages tend to share certain characteristics:

• Few manufacturers: Products made by only 1-2 companies have no backup if one has problems
• Low profit margins: Generic medicines with thin margins are less attractive for companies to produce, so fewer bother
• Complex manufacturing: Liquid formulations, patches, and injectable medicines are harder to make
• Controlled substances: Production quotas limit how much can be manufactured
• Single-source API: If the active ingredient comes from one factory, that's a single point of failure
• Short shelf life: Products that expire quickly can't be stockpiled

What You Can Do

If you take any medicine on this list:

• Sign up for MedWatch alerts for your specific medicine
• Don't wait until you're on your last day's supply to reorder
• Discuss backup plans with your GP in advance
• Know which alternatives exist for your medication
• Consider using a pharmacy with reliable supply for your particular medicine

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