When your usual pharmacy doesn't have your medication, knowing where else to look can save precious time.
NHS Pharmacy Finder
Use the NHS Find a Pharmacy tool to locate pharmacies near you, including their opening hours and services.
Tips for Finding Stock
- Call ahead — don't waste trips, phone first to check stock
- Try independents — they often use different wholesalers than chains
- Ask about ordering — many pharmacies can get stock within 24-48 hours
- Check supermarket pharmacies — Boots, Lloyds, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda
- Online pharmacies — legitimate UK online pharmacies may have different stock
- Hospital pharmacies — some specialist medicines are only available from hospital
Transferring Prescriptions
You can take your prescription to any pharmacy in England. If it's an electronic prescription (EPS), ask your GP to redirect it to a pharmacy that has stock. This is a quick phone call.
Don't get caught off guard
Free email alerts if a medicine you take goes into short supply. Alerts are rare — that's good news.
Search shortages free →
Reviewed for source alignment: 11 August 2026 · Report an accuracy issue
Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · NHS England
MediWatch is not medical advice. Always follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist, GP, specialist, NHS 111, or emergency services if you are unsure or unwell. Data checked daily.
Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · NHS England
MediWatch is not medical advice. Always follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist, GP, specialist, NHS 111, or emergency services if you are unsure or unwell. Data checked daily.