💊Medicines update: Co-codamol 30/500mg shortage

Update Patients on regular repeat co-codamol

We have already contacted patients we have identified as taking co-codamol 30/500mg regularly on repeat.
Due to the scale of this issue, we cannot proactively review everyone’s medication.

Before you contact us
If your pharmacy cannot supply your prescription

If you have already been issued a prescription and your usual pharmacy cannot supply it:

• Please try other local pharmacies first (stock can vary).
• Contact the practice only if you are unable to obtain the medication after trying alternative pharmacies.

During this shortage, there may be delays in issuing alternative prescriptions.

Using your medication safely during the shortage

While supplies are limited, please use the minimum effective dose needed to control your pain.
Where appropriate, you may consider replacing one dose with paracetamol alone.

• Maximum recommended dose for adults: paracetamol 4,000mg (4g) in 24 hours.
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not take other medicines that contain paracetamol at the same time.

If you are unsure what is safe for you, please seek advice before making changes.

If you want to discuss your medication

If you would like to speak to a clinician about your pain medication or possible alternatives, please submit a request via PATCHS.

Requests are reviewed in line with normal appointment availability.
We cannot offer urgent or same-day medication reviews solely due to the shortage.