Painkiller supply issues worsen as leading manufacturer is partially suspended

Pharmacists nationwide are grappling with an escalating shortage of co-codamol as Bristol Laboratories faces suspensions from the Medicine & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 

The key manufacturer has been named on a list of suspended manufacturing and wholesale distribution authorisations by MHRA.

This development exacerbates the already dire situation, impacting over half a million patients who rely on Zapain® each month, making it the top-selling branded co-codamol tablet in the UK. Bristol Laboratories is known to supply approximately 300,000 prescriptions of co-codamol each month, meaning that approximately 800,000 patients are now affected.

Last week, the crisis was highlighted as the primary supplier, Advanz Pharma Generics (UK) Limited, declared they are “currently unable to continue to supply” Zapain® due to the company's relocation. They were striving to “resume the supply” by the end of last week. We have approached the supplier to confirm whether their new controlled drug (CD) license has been approved and received but we have had no response.

Priced at £3.11, Zapain® has been a cost-effective choice for patients compared to generic co-codamol tablets, which cost £3.83. Emcozin®, the cheapest branded co-codamol tablet at £2.94, supplied by GlucoRx, is currently available as an alternative.

Chris Chapman, Chief Operating Officer at GlucoRx, confronted the escalating crisis in co-codamol supply, acknowledging the severity of the shortages, including the un-branded co-codamol from Bristol Laboratories. In a stark update, he underscored GlucoRx's unwavering commitment to supporting affected patients, highlighting the availability of Emcozin® 30mg/500mg as a robust alternative.

He emphasised: “The co-codamol shortage, compounded by the alarming developments at Bristol Laboratories, demands immediate attention. GlucoRx recognises the gravity of this crisis, encompassing Zapain® and the un-branded co-codamol. We stand ready to provide support to those in need, offering Emcozin® 30mg/500mg as a viable solution. Our commitment to meeting the demands for this vital medication is unwavering.

“As our nation grapples with the worsening shortage, patients, healthcare providers and regulators are on edge, awaiting swift and decisive actions. The stability of the co-codamol supply, especially the leading branded tablet, remains a critical concern that requires urgent resolution.”

Co-codamol, a combination of paracetamol and codeine, is prescribed for various pains, including headaches, muscle pain, migraines and toothaches.

Bristol Laboratories has been approached to provide a comment on the situation but, to date, no response has been received.