Prescription-strength co-codamol supplies limited until summer, Scottish Government confirms

Prescription-strength co-codamol supplies are expected to remain limited until the summer, the Scottish Government has said.

A UK-wide shortage of the strongest form of the painkiller, the 30/500mg dosage, is ongoing after the Indian government delayed authorisation for the export of ingredients.

Officials said patients affected by the disruption will be offered alternative treatment options. However, some health boards have warned that substitutes may not be able to meet the full increase in demand.

Guidance published by NHS Lanarkshire states that while other strengths of co-codamol are available, there are not enough supplies to move all patients onto them.

A warning their website states: “There is a temporary national shortage of co-codamol 30mg/500mg tablets. This means that there will be very limited supplies until at least the start of June 2026.

“There are other strengths of co-codamol tablets but there are not enough supplies of these to move everyone onto them.

“This is also the same for codeine tablets. This means your GP or pharmacist may not be able to give you your usual tablets during this time.

“Paracetamol 500mg tablets are fully available and there is enough to cover the increased demand.”

NHS Grampian issued similar advice, saying pharmacists should use professional judgement when prioritising stocks and quantities supplied.

Unlike NHS Lanarkshire, it has not advised patients currently taking the medication to begin cutting back.

Chief pharmaceutical officer Alison Strath confirmed ministers are monitoring the situation closely.

She said: “Medicine supply is a matter reserved to the UK Government. We are aware of limited supplies of the commonly prescribed pain-relief medicine co-codamol and know this may cause some concern.

“Supply issues are expected until June 2026 and we are in regular contact with the UK Government to seek assurances they are doing all they can to resolve this.

“We have issued advice to health boards to ensure patients affected receive accurate information and clear advice. We would ask that patients do not contact their GP practice or community pharmacy – instead, work is under way to identify those who may be affected, and they will be offered alternative treatment options.”