15 November 2024
Medicine shortages have been affecting people with a wide range of health conditions across the NHS, including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy and rheumatic conditions, with rheumatology health care professionals facing higher workloads due to the need to make drug substitutions for patients, often at short notice. Limited clinic space is further complicating alternative care delivery.
With the NHS already under strain, these medicines shortages can also have a significant impact on patient wellbeing and outcomes. In this latest briefing, the BSR External Affairs team, with input from BSR’s Clinical Affairs Committee and MDT Advisory Council, look in detail at what medicines shortages have been affecting rheumatology departments in 2024, how many patients have potentially been affected, and at some potential solutions.
This article contains reference to pharmaceutical companies and specific medications.