Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to address supply chain challenges with the shortages of some medicines in the UK, including for treatment of ADHD, asthma and psychosis; and what are the reasons for the shortages in such medicines.

Medicine supply chains are complex, global, and highly regulated, and there are a number of reasons why supply can be disrupted, many of which are outside of the Government’s control. These include manufacturing difficulties, access to raw materials, sudden demand spikes or distribution issues, and regulatory issues. There are approximately 14,000 licensed medicines, and the overwhelming majority are in good supply.

The Department has been working hard with industry to help resolve the supply issues with some attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines, which are affecting the United Kingdom and other countries around the world, due to increased demand and manufacturing site capacity constraints. As a result of this intensive work, some issues have been resolved. All strengths of atomoxetine capsules and guanfacine prolonged-release tablets are now available. However, medicine supply issues remain for some strengths of lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.

We are engaging with all suppliers of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets and lisdexamfetamine capsules to assess the challenges faced, and their actions to address them. We have asked suppliers to secure additional stocks, expedite deliveries where possible, and review plans to further build capacity to support continued growth in demand for the short and long-term.

Supply of salbutamol nebules, used to treat asthma, has now improved, although there may still be some short intermittent interruptions in supply experienced. We are also aware of issues with ipratropium nebules due to constrained supply from a manufacturing plant. We are working with NHS England to manage the supply issues and mitigate risks to patients. Communications advise all pharmacy teams to work with prescribers to use unlicensed imports, where licensed supplies are unavailable, or alternative treatments that are available.

Supply issues affecting some strengths of quetiapine tablets, used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, have been caused by increased demand on some companies as other companies exited the market, and by active pharmaceutical ingredient constraints. Supplies of other strengths of quetiapine are being closely monitored. Serious Shortage Protocols have been issued to enable pharmacists to supply patients alternative strength tablets if those prescribed are not available. We are also aware of intermittent disruptions in the supply of olanzapine (Zypadhera) prolonged-release suspension for injections due to a global manufacturing capacity constraint. NHS England is actively working with the supplier to address these manufacturing issues as quickly as possible, to ensure that UK patients have access to this medication. Comprehensive guidance will be issued to healthcare professionals in the coming days.