NHS shortage protocols for Creon and Estradot extended to early 2027

Two essential NHS-prescribed medications, Creon and Estradot, will remain in serious shortage status until at least early 2027. The Department of Health and Social Care issued a new alert extending the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for these drugs, a move that pharmacists describe as creating the longest-running medicine supply crises in British history.

Extended shortage protocols announced

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) highlighted that the latest SSP extensions apply to Creon 25000 gastro-resistant capsules and several strengths of Estradot patches, including 25, 50, 75, and 100 micrograms. These protocols have been officially prolonged until Friday, January 8, 2027. Meanwhile, the current SSP for Creon 10000 gastro-resistant capsules, which was implemented in August as its eighth iteration in 21 months, is set to expire at 11:59pm today.

Clinical impact on patients

Creon serves as a treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient digestive enzymes. Estradot functions as a transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patch designed to alleviate menopausal symptoms and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Olivier Picard, chair of the PA, stated that the continued designation of these drugs as Britain’s longest-running shortage is "deeply depressing" for both pharmacies and patients. He emphasized that Creon acts as a "lifeline" for individuals with Pancreatic Cancer and Cystic Fibrosis, enabling them to digest food properly.

Supply chain fragility concerns

NPA members reported that patients are being "forced to skip meals and travel many miles to source supplies." Without access to these medications, individuals risk severe diarrhoea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Picard noted that while support mechanisms exist, the ongoing difficulties present a "serious risk to patient safety." In September, he urged Health Secretary Yvette Cooper to establish an urgent taskforce to address the "fragility" within the global medicines supply chain, describing the recent SSP extensions as an "alarm call" for immediate action.

Call for substitution powers

Picard called on the Labour government to publish the results of a public consultation regarding pharmacist substitution rights. This measure would allow pharmacists to replace out-of-stock prescription drugs with safe alternative strengths or formulations. He insisted that convening a task force to integrate all aspects of the supply chain is necessary to fully grasp and resolve the issue.