Previous Shortage Status
Xylocaine® (lidocaine) 10mg spray
Needs recheck DHSC MSNDepartment of Health and Social Care (DHSC) issued a medicine supply notification for Xylocaine® (lidocaine) 10mg spray. The previous resolution estimate has passed, so this record should not be treated as current availability advice without a fresh pharmacist or NHS/DHSC check.
⚠️ 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 Xylocaine in shortage in the UK in 2026?
MediWatch has a previous official shortage record for Xylocaine. The old resolution estimate has passed, so current supply status should be checked with a pharmacist or the latest NHS/DHSC source.
What is Xylocaine used for?
Xylocaine 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 Xylocaine 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.
Needs Recheck
Severity: medium
Xylocaine 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: DHSC Medicine Supply Notification · Issued: 2025-05-07
⚠️ 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
Xylocaine® (lidocaine) 10mg spray
DHSC MSN
2025-01-14
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
Xylocaine 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: DHSC Medicine Supply Notification · Issued: 2025-05-07
⚠️ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xylocaine® (lidocaine) 10mg spray | DHSC MSN | 2025-01-14 | 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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