Note: This article was first published in The Pharmacist. By James Wood, Director of Member and LPC Support at Community Pharmacy England I hope you managed to take a little time over the festive season to recharge. For many, that break will have been short-lived, if indeed it happened, and the reality of another challenging
Read morePharmacy teams should be aware that all strengths of Subutex® and Suboxone® tablets have been discontinued. The manufacturer, Indivior, is no longer supplying these products in the UK therefore, they are no longer available for community pharmacies to order. Please note that if a prescriber has issued a branded prescription for any strength of Subutex®,
Read moreThe Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that prescriptions for Cleen Ready-to-use 133ml enema (Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate 18.1% / Disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate 8% 133ml enema) dispensed in November and December 2025 will be correctly reimbursed based on its increased NHS list price which had not been reflected in the published
Read moreDepartment of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Co-codamol 30mg/500mg tablets. MSN/2026/001 Tier 3 – High impact Date of issue: 12 January 2026 Co-codamol 30mg/500mg tablets will be in limited supply from early February until early June 2026. Paracetamol 500mg tablets remain available and can support a full uplift
Read moreDaily Express There have been media reports today in the Daily Express highlighting growing pharmacy pressures and closures across England and Wales. Figures from the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) indicate hundreds of pharmacies have closed, with warnings that recent tax and cost pressures are forcing many out of business. Rachel Reeves accused of pushing pharmacies
Read moreThe MHRA has reviewed the warnings regarding addiction, dependence, withdrawal, and tolerance for gabapentin, pregabalin, benzodiazepines, and z-drugs. The findings (detailed in the Public Assessment Report) were that it was necessary to strengthen these warnings in the product information and on packaging to better inform healthcare professionals and patients of these known risks. Advice for
Read moreDate issued: 5 January 2026 FSA Ref: FSA-PRIN-02-2026 Nestlé has issued a precautionary recall for several SMA infant and follow‑on formula products, due to potential contamination with cereulide toxin—a heat‑stable toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. Affected Products Pharmacy teams should review their stock for the following products and batch codes: SMA Advanced First Infant Milk
Read morePharmacy owners should note that the next advance payment will be received on the 12th January 2026 (for activity completed in December 2025 and declared using the FP34C form on the Manage Your Service (MYS) portal by the 6th January). The table below shows the advance payment dates for 2026. Dispensing Month Dec 25 Jan
Read moreThe Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has today (31/12/2025) confirmed the following final list of price concessions for December 2025: Drug Pack size Price concession Aspirin 75mg dispersible tablets 28 £0.88 Aspirin 75mg dispersible tablets 100 £3.14 Propranolol 160mg modified-release capsules 28 £5.90 For the full list of price concessions granted for December 2025 please visit
Read moreDepartment of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Hypurin® Porcine 30/70 Mix (insulin isophane biphasic porcine) 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml cartridges. MSN/2025/073 Tier 2 – Medium impact Date of issue: 29 December 2025 Hypurin® Porcine 30/70 Mix 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml cartridges will be out of stock
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