Is Levothyroxine in Shortage?

UK supply status for Levothyroxine — used for underactive thyroid

Source data checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC

No current notice

No current notice — there is no active shortage notice for Levothyroxine in official DHSC / NHSBSA data (official data last checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC). Local stock can still vary, so check with your pharmacy. 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.

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Nearby pharmacies to call about Levothyroxine

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 Levothyroxine

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).

No current shortage notice. Levothyroxine has no active shortage notice in official DHSC / NHSBSA data. Local stock can still vary, so check with your pharmacy.

About Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the UK. It is primarily used for underactive thyroid.

Category: Hormones

What to Do If You Can't Get Levothyroxine

Even without a national shortage, individual pharmacies may occasionally have stock issues. If this happens:

1. Ask your pharmacist to check other suppliers or nearby branches
2. Try alternative pharmacies in your area
3. Contact your GP if the issue persists

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Levothyroxine in shortage in the UK?

Based on the latest DHSC and NHSBSA data, Levothyroxine does not currently have an active shortage notification. Supply situations can change — sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified immediately if this changes.

What is Levothyroxine used for?

Levothyroxine is commonly prescribed in the UK for underactive thyroid. It is one of the most widely prescribed medicines in the NHS.

What should I do if I can't get Levothyroxine?

If your pharmacy cannot supply Levothyroxine, ask them to check alternative suppliers. Your GP may also prescribe a suitable therapeutic alternative.

Needs recheck

Levothyroxine has a historic official shortage record. The previous resolution estimate has passed, so current supply status needs rechecking with a pharmacist or the latest NHS/DHSC source before treating this as active.

Source: NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocol · Issued: 2026-02-02

⚠️ 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.

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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Source data checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC

Data sourced from DHSC and NHSBSA. Updated daily.

Data sourced from official DHSC, NHSBSA and MHRA publications · Updated daily · Free service

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