Shortage of leading painkillers continues into the New Year
Pharmacists are continuing to experience a shortage of Zapain®, co-codamol 30/500mg tablets, which are currently out of stock via leading distributor and wholesale supplier Alliance Healthcare.
More than 500,000 patients are prescribed the drug every month, making it the number one selling branded co-codamol tablet.
In November 2023, the supplier Advanz Pharma Generics (UK) Limited stated that it is “currently unable to continue to supply” the medication due to the company moving premises, however the organisation aimed to “resume the supply” within two weeks.
At the time, a spokesperson for Advanz Pharma Generics (UK) Limited said: “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.”
We then approached the supplier to confirm whether their new controlled drug (CD) license has been approved and received but we have had no response.
At £3.12, Zapain® is cheaper than generically prescribed co-codamol (30/500mg tablets) costing £3.80. 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.
The spokesperson 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 authorisations by the MHRA on 29 September 2023 listing Dashwood House as an authorised site, we are currently unable to continue to supply CD products.”
Chris Chapman, Chief Operations Officer from GlucoRx, said: “We are aware of the current issues with Zapain and understand the profound impact of pain on the lives of patients. We are committed to providing relief and support to those in need. Witnessing the prolonged shortage of vital painkillers has been disheartening as no one should bear the burden of pain without relief.
“Throughout the festive season and into the new year, patients and pharmacists have endured the struggles of this scarcity.
“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.”