Overview
- An NPA snap survey of 540 pharmacies found 86% were unable to supply aspirin in the week of January 13–20, with the 75mg dose hardest hit.
- Pharmacists report tightly rationing stock for patients with the most acute heart conditions and, in many cases, halting over-the-counter sales.
- Wholesale prices for 75mg dispersible packs have jumped from 18p last year to £3.90, while NHS reimbursement remains £2.18, leaving average losses of £1.72 per item dispensed.
- The government added aspirin to its export ban list on January 16 to protect domestic supply.
- Pharmacy leaders cite manufacturing delays and UK pricing pressures, and they are urging NHS and government steps to stabilise the market and allow safe pharmacist substitutions when prescribed items are out of stock.