Why hundreds of everyday medicines are now so hard to get

The Epilepsy Society has identified three deaths in the last two years where a lack of medication contributed to outcomes.

The UK spends a smaller share of its health budget on medicines per patient than many Western European countries, affecting market viability and supply.

The article notes rising global costs and price gaps for medicines like Venlafaxine (concession price £3.89 vs lowest purchase price £5.25), contributing to smaller orders and potential shortages.

The Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) has asked the government to add medicines supply to the National Risk Register but has not yet received a response; industry leaders describe the system as broken and say patients suffer most.

In Shepperton, Surrey, one remaining pharmacy receives monthly prescriptions while others have closed; some items are unavailable, leaving the pharmacy out of pocket by about £9 per relevant item.

Pharmacists report that when market prices rise above the NHS tariff or concession price, they are reimbursed at the new price but must source the drug at the original lower price, causing losses and reduced stock.

Chloe, a 29-year-old with epilepsy, has struggled to obtain lamotrigine-based medication; shortages have led to seizures and injury, illustrating the real-world impact on patients.

In April 2026, the government's price concessions list reached a record 210 named medications as prices rose above the NHS tariff.

Since 2017, about 1,500 High Street pharmacies in England have shut, with 27 closing so far in 2026.