Introduction
For more information on medicines optimisation, please refer to the information for patient guidance produced by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE):
NICE: Safe and effective use of medicines, information for the public
For information on a medicine and the condition it treats, please refer to the NHS website:
To find information on NHS prescription charges please refer to the NHS website:
To check if you are eligible for free prescriptions, please refer to the NHS website:
Check your eligibilty for free NHS prescriptions
To find information on how to order a repeat prescription, please refer to the NHS website:
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)
In the UK, there is a shortage of a type of medicine called pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), which some people need to help them digest food properly. This medicine is important for people whose pancreas, an organ in the body, does not produce enough enzymes. Enzymes help the body break down food so it can be used for energy.
The shortage has occurred due to manufacturing issues and difficulties in obtaining the necessary ingredients. This has made it difficult for some people to get the medicine they need. The integrated care board, along with community pharmacies, hospitals and GP practices are working on finding alternative solutions to help patients until the shortage is over. It is predicted that some PERT medicines will not be available until 2026.
The medicines affected by this shortage are:
- Creon® 10,000 and 25,000
- Nutrizym® 22 capsules
- Pancrex V® capsules and powder.
What is being done in NHS North West London to support patients affected by this shortage?
- Providing advice to prescribers in GP practices on alternative brands of PERT or treatments
- Working with a regional procurement centre to import PERT from other countries, which will increase the availability of PERT to community pharmacies in North West London
- Working with specialist teams and pharmacy services in hospitals to ensure prescribers in GP practices, and community pharmacies can access the support they need to help the patients they prescribe PERT for.
If you are a patient affected by this shortage who has not been able to get your PERT medicine or a suitable alternative:
- Contact Your GP: Ask your GP for a separate prescription for PERT, without any other medications included on it. This can make it easier to get PERT from different pharmacies if your usual one is out of stock.
- Check Other Pharmacies: Check if your regular pharmacy can source other brands from overseas. If they are unable to source another brand, try other local pharmacies.
- Plan Ahead: Submit your prescription requests at least two weeks earlier than usual to give your pharmacy more time to obtain the medication.
- Consult Healthcare Professionals: If you’re struggling to manage your symptoms without PERT, reach out to your dietitian, GP, or specialist nurse for advice on managing your diet and symptoms.
- Specialist Support Lines: You can also contact specialist nurses through support lines provided by organisations like Pancreatic Cancer UK for additional guidance. Refer to Position Statement Patients: Appendix 2: Other sources of advice for patients
Acknowledgement: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB accessed 29/1/2025
Last updated 30/1/2025
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
By using antibiotics responsibly, we can help prevent the spread of AMR and protect future health.
How Can the Public Help?
You can play an important role in tackling AMR by:
- Learning more about AMR and its impact. Visit the Antibiotic Guardian website for more information
- Discussing AMR and concerns about antibiotic use with your doctor, nurse, practice pharmacist, or community pharmacist
- Sharing information about AMR with your family, friends, and community.
You can also watch a short video animation here to learn more about AMR and how we can all make a difference.
Together, We Can Help Keep Antibiotics Working
By using antibiotics responsibly and making informed choices, we can preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving medicines for future generations.
Patient Information Leaflets
Leaflet |
Summary |
|
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Rescue Pack Patient Information Leaflet |
Use this leaflet to learn more about your COPD rescue pack, including what it contains, when to start using it, and how to record your flare-ups. |
Over The Counter (OTC) & Self Care Medicines
Did you know that over the last112 months, North West London prescribed in the region of £20 million worth of medicines available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket.
NHS North West London does not support the routine prescribing of health supplements and medications that can be easily obtained over the counter for minor conditions, self-limiting illnesses, and short-term ailments. This is in line with NHS England's 'Guidance on conditions for which over-the-counter items should not routinely be prescribed in primary care'.
For further information please refer to NHS England » Prescribing of over the counter medicines is changing patient leaflets.
In addition to national exceptions listed on the leaflet, the following local exceptions will continue to apply in the following scenarios:
- Medicines that need to be given at school
- Care home residents
- Individuals with funded care packages
- Patients who require a carer to administer a medicine or product
- Anyone officially declared homeless
- People with a diagnosis of dementia or learning disability
References:
1 NHSBSA OTC Prescribing Dashboard March 2023 - February 2024
2 Exceptions apply