A photo of a pile of pills and a thermometer.

Drugs Shortages

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists works with the UK Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group to update our members on drug shortages. This is not intended as a guide to patients, who should always speak to their consultant, pharmacist or other medical professional about finding alternative medication. The College is unable to offer advice to patients on where to source specific drugs or possible alternatives.

In response to concerns raised by the College, the Department of Health Medicine Supply Team has confirmed that manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure continuity of supply of medicines to UK patients.

Joint industry and Department of Health guidance recommends companies inform the Department of Health as soon as possible about impending shortages which are likely to have an impact on patient care. When prior notification of product discontinuation or shortage is provided potential impact can be planned for and addressed by the Department of Health.

Contact us

If members become aware of drug shortages not listed please contact Jonathan Baker, Quality Improvement Manager: [email protected].

Current drugs shortages

Shortages can occur for various reasons including shortages of raw materials/plant failure/imbalance between supply and demand. Below you’ll find an regularly updated list of drug shortages that the College and UKOPG are aware of.

Updated (30/04/2026)

Remaining licensed supplies and available unlicensed imports will be reserved for the treatment of ocular cancer and for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR) that meet the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) guidance for patient prioritisation.

A process will be put in place to manage orders for the remaining licensed stock, which will be communicated separately by the Specialist Pharmacy Service Regional Pharmacy Procurement Specialist (SPS RPPS) team.

Likely duration of shortage: until September 2026