UK Health Department Issues Three-Month Limit on Lansoprazole Orally Dispersible Tablets

The Department of Health and Social Care released a serious shortage notice for Lansoprazole orodispersible tablets in 15 mg and 30 mg strengths, effective from 9 September 2026 and set to run until 15 January 2027. Under protocols SSP088 and SSP089, pharmacists are authorised to dispense only a one-month supply when prescriptions exceed that amount, even if stock is available. The restriction applies to all NHS and private prescriptions and requires patients to be informed of the limitation.

This shortage adds to a growing list of medicines facing supply problems, a concern voiced by Olivier Picard of the National Pharmacy Association and Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown of the Royal College of GPs, who warned of potential risks to patient safety. They called for improved communication between pharmacists and GP practices to manage such disruptions.