Current Shortage Status
This notice has left the official active list because its resupply estimate passed; recovery has not been confirmed. The wording below is what it said when issued.
Buprenorphine (Reletrans® ) 5micrograms/hour and 15micrograms/hour transdermal patches
medium DHSC MSNDepartment of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Buprenorphine (Reletrans®) 5micrograms/hour and 15micrograms/hour transdermal patches. …
⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.
Buprenorphine (Relevtec®) 35micrograms/hour, 52.5micrograms/hour, 70micrograms/hour transdermal patches Buprenorphine (Bupeaze®) 52.5micrograms/hour transdermal patches
medium DHSC MSNThe Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for the following products: …
⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.
Possible Alternatives
Your GP may consider the following alternatives (always consult before switching):
- morphine
- fentanyl patches
- methadone
What to Do If You're Affected
- Contact your pharmacy as soon as possible — don't wait until you run out
- Ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active
- Speak to your GP about prescribing an alternative
- Try other local pharmacies who may have different stock
- Sign up for MediWatch alerts to track this shortage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buprenorphine in shortage in the UK in 2026?
Recovery not yet confirmed — on 3 March 2026 there were 2 active shortage notifications for Buprenorphine in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. They have since passed the resupply estimate without DHSC / CPE confirming supply is back to normal, so check with your pharmacy. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.
What is Buprenorphine used for?
Buprenorphine is commonly prescribed in the UK for treating moderate-to-severe pain and opioid dependence. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.
What should I do if I can't get Buprenorphine from my pharmacy?
Ask your pharmacist whether a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) covers it and what that protocol allows: each one sets out exactly what can be supplied. If not, contact your GP who can prescribe a suitable alternative. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.
What are the alternatives to Buprenorphine?
Your GP may consider alternatives including morphine, fentanyl patches, methadone. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications.
In March 2026, Buprenorphine had 1 active shortage notification in official DHSC / NHSBSA data. It has since passed the resupply estimate, and recovery has not been confirmed: see the status above.
Source: DHSC Medicine Supply Notification · Issued: 15 January 2026
What the notice advised while it was active
Historical advice. When this notice was active (issued 15 January 2026), it advised the following. It may not apply now: ask your pharmacist or prescriber about current supply.
- Branded and generic buprenorphine sublingual tablets (2mg and 8mg) and buprenorphine oral lyophilisate 2mg and 8mg (Espranor®) remain available.
Source: official DHSC medicine supply notification
⚠️ Important: Other Medication Safety
Urgency: Do not stop taking your prescribed medication without consulting your doctor, even if supply is disrupted.
What to do: Contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as you become aware of a shortage affecting your medication. The earlier you act, the more options you will have.
Tip: Phone ahead before visiting the pharmacy. Many pharmacies can check stock levels by phone and may be able to order your medication from their wholesaler.
Previous Shortage History
| Notification | Source | Date Issued | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buprenorphine (Reletrans® ) 5micrograms/hour and 15microgram | DHSC MSN | 2025-05-07 | Resolved |
| Buprenorphine (Relevtec®) 35micrograms/hour, 52.5micrograms/ | DHSC MSN | 2025-06-19 | Resolved |
Data sourced from DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols. Last verified: March 2026. See our data sources and editorial policy for full methodology.
Page last updated: 6 November 2026. Data checked daily.