Cholesterol Medication Shortage UK

5 active shortages tracked

Updated 26 March 2026 from official DHSC & NHS data

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: 26 March 2026. Data checked daily.