UK grapples with widespread aspirin shortage as medicine added to export ban list

Britain is grappling with widespread shortages of aspirin, a vital medication for preventing strokes and heart attacks in vulnerable patients. The Government has responded by adding aspirin to its export ban list, aiming to safeguard supplies for UK patients amidst manufacturing delays cited as a primary cause.

Both the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), representing approximately 6,000 pharmacies, and the Independent Pharmacies Association, with over 5,000 members, report significant difficulties in sourcing the drug.

The NPA confirmed that pharmacists across the UK are being forced to tightly ration existing stock, prioritising patients with the most severe heart conditions or those requiring emergency prescriptions.

The NPA ran a snap survey of 540 UK pharmacies this week and found 86% reported being unable to supply aspirin to their patients in the previous seven days.

The problem is worse for the 75mg dose, though all types are affected.

Several pharmacies said they have also stopped making aspirin available for over the counter sales.

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Source: The Independent, 23 January 2026

Further reading on the hub:

• All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy inquiry into medicines shortages in England (July 2025)
• Creon shortages: “It’s just another thing patients with cystic fibrosis could do without”
• Medicines shortages: minimising the impact on patients (a blog by Catherine Picton)
• Medication supply issues: A pharmacist’s perspective