Is Levothyroxine in Shortage?

UK supply status for Levothyroxine — used for underactive thyroid

Live data — updated 2026-03-04

✅ No current shortage reported. Levothyroxine is not currently listed in DHSC or NHS England shortage notifications. Supply is expected to be normal across UK pharmacies.

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:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Levothyroxine in shortage in the UK?

Based on the latest DHSC and NHS England 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.

Active Shortage Severity: Serious Shortage

As of March 2026, Levothyroxine has 1 active shortage notification from official DHSC/NHS England data. Expected resolution: 3 Feb 2021.

Source: NHS England 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 NHS England Serious Shortage Protocols. Last verified: March 2026. See our data sources and editorial policy for full methodology.

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Last updated: 7 March 2026

Data sourced from DHSC and NHS England. Updated daily.

🏥 Data sourced from official DHSC and NHS England publications · Updated daily · Free service