Current Shortage Status
Mesalazine (Asacol® ) 400mg MR gastro-resistant tablets
medium DHSC MSNDepartment of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Mesalazine (Asacol®) 400mg MR gastro-resistant tablets • Asacol® 400mg MR gastro-resistant tablets (pack size
⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.
Possible Alternatives
Your GP may consider the following alternatives (always consult before switching):
- sulfasalazine
- balsalazide
- olsalazine
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 Mesalazine in shortage in the UK in 2026?
Yes — as of 3 March 2026, there is 1 active shortage notification for Mesalazine in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.
What is Mesalazine used for?
Mesalazine is commonly prescribed in the UK for treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.
What should I do if I can't get Mesalazine from my pharmacy?
First, ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active — this may allow them to dispense an alternative without a new prescription. 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 Mesalazine?
Your GP may consider alternatives including sulfasalazine, balsalazide, olsalazine. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications.
No Active Shortage
As of March 2026, Mesalazine does not have an active shortage notification from DHSC or NHS England. 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
Mesalazine (Asacol® ) 400mg MR gastro-resistant tablets
DHSC MSN
2024-04-25
Resolved
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.
Check shortages free
As of March 2026, Mesalazine does not have an active shortage notification from DHSC or NHS England. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesalazine (Asacol® ) 400mg MR gastro-resistant tablets | DHSC MSN | 2024-04-25 | Resolved |
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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Sign up free →Page last updated: 5 May 2026. Data checked daily.