Co-codamol 30mg/500mg tablets are expected to be in short supply from February to June 2026. Other strengths are not affected.
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What is the issue?
Some forms of the medicine co-codamol are expected to be in short supply between February and June 2026. The supply disruption only affects higher strength (30/500) co-codamol tablets.
Other formulations of higher strength co-codamol such as capsules and effervescent tablets and all forms of other strengths of co-codamol including those you can purchase from pharmacies, remain available. However, supplies of these would also be disrupted if people have their prescription changed from tablets to the other formulations.
When is the shortage expected to resolve?
We expect the supply disruption to be resolved by early June however, when supply disruptions are resolved it can take a little time for local availability to stabilise. This means most people will be able to get their prescriptions dispensed but some may continue to have difficulty for a short period after the cause of the disruption has been rectified. This is because wholesalers and community pharmacies need to receive the stock and pharmacies need to dispense any prescriptions held back during the period in which supplies were limited.
What is being done to resolve the shortage?
It is the responsibility of the UK Government to maintain the continuity of supply of medicines to the UK. We want to minimise the effect of any disruption to supply for most people with prescriptions to these medicines. To do this, we are working with the:
- UK Government
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- health boards
- GPs
- community pharmacies
We are taking a range of actions to mitigate the impact of the supply disruptions. This includes asking prescribers not to start treating new patients with co-codamol, providing clinical advice on alternative treatment options, and asking doctors to review patients for whom a different medicine might be just as effective.
The UK Government has also imposed a ban on the export or hoarding of all preparations containing co-codamol 30/500 by wholesalers.
What should I do if I have difficulty getting my prescription dispensed?
In the first instance you should try different pharmacies.
Some larger pharmacy chains may also provide online stock checkers. This allows you to search for pharmacies in your area that may have stock.
In all cases it is best to telephone the pharmacy before visiting. Information about contacting pharmacies in your area can be accessed at NHS 111 Wales.
If you are still unable to obtain a supply after trying different pharmacies, you should speak to your GP or pharmacist about alternative medicines or steps you can take to help manage any symptoms.