The UK government has added aspirin to its list of restricted exports to protect domestic supplies, leading to shortages in pharmacies nationwide. Olivier Picard, the National Pharmacy Association chair, discussed the issue on BBC Radio Four’s Inside Health program, highlighting the challenges faced by chemists in obtaining the medication.
Picard mentioned the struggles in his own pharmacies, with some having limited stocks of aspirin, particularly the 75mg dose commonly used for stroke prevention and managing chronic conditions. He explained that the shortage mainly affects the “baby aspirin” dosage, while the 300mg aspirin for pain relief remains widely available.
The supply chain complexity involving European manufacturers, pricing pressures, and low profit margins in the UK market have contributed to the aspirin shortage. Picard emphasized the need for pharmacies to be authorized to adjust prescriptions to address the issue promptly.
In response to queries from MP Mark Pritchard, Health Department officials acknowledged the disruption in aspirin supply and assured ongoing efforts to normalize availability. Dr. Zubir Ahmed noted collaborative actions with suppliers and distributors to ensure consistent access to aspirin in pharmacies and hospitals nationwide, expecting the situation to improve in the coming weeks.