Medicines update: Co-codamol 30/500mg shortage

Update for patients on regular repeat co-codamol:

We have identified patients who may be taking co-codamol 30/500mg regularly and will look at potential alternatives should the need arise. Please note that due to the scale of this issue, we cannot proactively review everyone’s medication immediately; this will take some time. We may need to change you to an alternative/

Before you contact us:

If you have already been issued a prescription and your usual pharmacy cannot supply it:

• Please try other local pharmacies first (stock can vary).
• Contact the practice only if you are unable to obtain the medication after trying several alternative pharmacies.

During this shortage, there may be delays in issuing alternative prescriptions.

Using your medication safely during the shortage:

While supplies are limited, please use the minimum effective dose needed to control your pain.
Where appropriate, we will consider replacing one dose with paracetamol alone.

• Maximum recommended dose for adults: paracetamol 4,000mg (4g or 8 tablets) in 24 hours.
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not take other medicines that contain paracetamol at the same time.

If you are unsure what is safe for you, please seek advice from your community pharmacist before making changes.

If you want to discuss your medication

If you would like to speak to a clinician about your pain medication or possible alternatives, please submit a request via blinx/patches from our website
Requests are reviewed in line with normal appointment availability.
We cannot offer urgent or same-day medication reviews solely due to the shortage.

PLEASE DO NOT request early or extra prescriptions, or contact the practice only to check stock availability.