National shortage of leading branded painkiller

Pharmacists are currently experiencing a shortage of Zapain®, co-codamol 30/500mg tablets, across the UK.

More than 500,000 patients are prescribed the drug every month, making it the number one selling branded co-codamol tablet.

But the supplier Advanz Pharma Generics (UK) Limited is “currently unable to continue to supply” the medication due to the company moving premises. They aim to “resume the supply” by “end of next week”.

At £3.11, Zapain® is cheaper than generically prescribed co-codamol (30/500mg tablets) costing £3.83. Emcozin® (30/500mg tablets), supplied by GlucoRx, is the cheapest branded co-codamol tablet at £2.94 and is currently available.

Co-codamol is a mixture of two different painkillers, paracetamol and codeine and is used to treat aches and pains including headaches, muscle pain, migraines and toothache.

A spokesperson for Advanz Pharma Generics (UK) Limited said: “Advanz Pharma wish to inform you that we are currently unable to continue to supply Controlled Drugs (“CD”) Medicinal products from the following entities: Mercury Pharmaceuticals Limited, Advanz Pharma Generics (UK) Limited.

“Please note that this decision is not as a result of any non-compliance or regulatory action. Rather, following the change in address due to moving to new premises, our submission to the UK Home Office has not yet been processed for the new site as we currently await the compliance visit in order to approve the new site and grant a new license.

“The CD licenses for the listed entities under the previous address have expired and were pending renewal; however, following guidance from the Home Office and the issue of updated wholesale distribution authorizations by the MHRA on 29 September 2023 listing Dashwood House as an authorized site, we are currently unable to continue to supply CD products.

“We are currently liaising with the UK Home Office and the DHSC to expedite the process for grant of CD license. Additionally, alternate options are being explored to maintain supply continuity, Hopefully by end of next week, we should be able to resume the supply.”

Chris Chapman, COO from GlucoRx, said: “We are aware of the current issues with Zapain and we as a company are happy to help any patients who are in need of this vital medication, there is nothing worse than being in pain.

“We have plenty of our own Emcozin® 30mg/500mg which could be used as an alternative in stock available and are ensuring it is available where required to be able to meet any demands.”