Cholesterol Medication Shortage UK

5 active shortages tracked

Source data checked 12 May 2026, 17:17 UTC

Statin shortages affect millions of UK patients. Atorvastatin chewable tablets (Lipitor) have faced supply issues, particularly impacting patients who cannot swallow standard tablets.

Current Active Shortages (5)

atorvastatin (Lipitor®)20mg chewable tablets

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for atorvastatin (Lipitor®)20mg chewable tablets (PDF:150KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 10mg chewable tablets

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 10mg chewable tablets (PDF:145KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 20mg chewable tablets

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 20mg chewable tablets (PDF:122KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 10mg chewable tablets

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 10mg chewable tablets (PDF:123KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 20mg chewable tablets

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol active for Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) 20mg chewable tablets (PDF:211KB). Pharmacists may supply alternatives without GP referral.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

What to Do If Affected

Don't stop statins without GP advice
Ask about switching to a different statin
Standard tablets may be available even if chewable forms are not
Consider lifestyle changes to support cholesterol management
Contact the HEART UK helpline for support

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Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · NHS England
Page last updated: 13 May 2026. Data checked daily.