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Scotland's Supplies of Prescription Co-Codamol Limited Until June
Scottish health boards advise patients, except cancer sufferers, to taper co-codamol 30/500mg due to limited supply caused by delayed ingredient imports until June, officials said.
- Last week, NHS Lanarkshire told most Scottish patients to start tapering prescription-strength co-codamol, as supplies will be limited until June 2026 and patients should reduce tablets gradually.
- The Indian government's hold-up on ingredient imports prompted a UK-wide supply disruption, as manufacturers in China and India provide active pharmaceutical ingredients for codeine-based medicines.
- In 2025 about 1.25 million items of co-codamol were prescribed monthly, straining supply as the National Pharmacy Association, representing around 6,000 pharmacies, reports sourcing difficulties.
- Clinicians warn that stopping suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms, so GPs and community pharmacists may not supply usual tablets, except for patients undergoing cancer treatment who are exempt from tapering advice.
- The Scottish Government said it will provide alternative pain‑management options and clinical guidance, while Alison Strath said `Medicine supply is a matter reserved to the UK government` and paracetamol 500mg tablets remain fully available.
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Glasgow TimesReposted by 
The National
The NationalPainkiller shortage hits Scotland as patients told to RATION medication until June
Scotland faces a national shortage of prescription co-codamol 30/500mg due to ingredient import delays from India. NHS offers alternative pain…
·Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Center
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
73% Center
L 18%
C 73%
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