Diazepam Shortage UK 2026

Current supply status and alternatives for Diazepam

Source data checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC

No current notice

No current notice — there is no active shortage notice for Diazepam in official DHSC / NHSBSA data (official data last checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC). The details below describe the most recent shortage on record. This covers DHSC supply notices for community pharmacies and NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols; a supplier stock problem can affect pharmacies before a notice is issued.

Not medical advice. MediWatch reports official UK medicine supply data; it is not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist, GP or prescriber. Do not stop, change or switch a medicine without speaking to them first. If you are unwell, contact NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. How we check our information.

Track Diazepam

We'll email you only when this medicine's status actually changes — including when its official shortage notice ends. Most weeks that's nothing, and that's good news. Your first 5 tracked medicines are free.

Nearby pharmacies to call about Diazepam

Enter your postcode to see nearby NHS-registered pharmacies. Stock is not confirmed.

MediWatch does not guarantee live local stock. Call the pharmacy to confirm before travelling, and never stop or change medication without medical advice.

Where to get Diazepam

Speak to your pharmacist. They may be able to order it from another wholesaler, or suggest a different strength or form.
Ask your GP or prescriber about an alternative if it can't be sourced. Don't stop or switch medicine on your own.
Try other pharmacies. Stock varies between pharmacies. Find nearby pharmacies to call or use the NHS Find a pharmacy service (opens in a new tab).

Diazepam is used for various medical conditions. There are no active national shortage notifications for this medication in current official data. The most recent shortage on record is shown below.

Current Shortage Status

These notices are no longer active in official DHSC / NHSBSA data. The wording below is what they said when issued.

Diazepam 10mg/2.5ml rectal solution tubes

medium DHSC MSN

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Diazepam 10mg/2.5ml rectal solution tubes. …

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

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 Diazepam in shortage in the UK in 2026?

No current notice — official DHSC / NHSBSA data have no active shortage notification for Diazepam now. The most recent: on 3 March 2026 there was 1 active shortage notification for Diazepam in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.

What is Diazepam used for?

Diazepam is commonly prescribed in the UK for various medical conditions. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.

What should I do if I can't get Diazepam 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.

No Active Shortage

As of March 2026, Diazepam does not have an active shortage notification from DHSC or NHSBSA. Supply situations can change rapidly — search MediWatch free any time to check if this changes.

Note: This medicine had 1 previous shortage notification that has since been resolved.

⚠️ Important: NHS Listed 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
Diazepam 10mg/2.5ml rectal solution tubes	DHSC MSN	2024-03-28	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.

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Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · MHRA alerts
Page last updated: 6 November 2026. Data checked daily.

Source checked against official shortage sources · Editorial policy · Sources: BNF · NHS SPS