The National Pharmacy Association has expressed concern over the extension of Serious Shortage Protocols of two essential medicines until 2027, amid a continuing drug supply crisis.
The SSPs for the two drugs, Estradot and Creon, that were to expire on October 2 have now been extended to 8 January 2027.
These two drugs now hold the record of being the Britain's longest running medicine shortages.
For Creon, a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), SSPs have been in force since May 2024, and for Estradot, a common HRT drug, it has been in place since December 2024.
Creon is used by people suffering from pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, as their pancreas are unable to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Pharmacies have reported cases of patients rationing medication and, in some instances, skipping meals because they were unable to obtain supplies.
Patients who rely on the medication can suffer from severe diarrhoea, weight loss, and malnutrition if they don't take Creon.
National Pharmacy Association Chair Olivier Picard said: "It is deeply depressing for pharmacies and patients alike that Creon and Estradot have now had their unhappy title extended as being Britain's longest running medicine shortage on record.
"Creon is a lifeline to patients that depend on it, helping people with Pancreatic Cancer and Cystic Fibrosis digest food.
"Although we recognise support is being put in place, pharmacies continue to report to the NPA that they are finding patients that are being forced to skip meals and travel many miles to source supplies.
"This must act as an alarm call to the new Secretary of State to convene a taskforce to fully grasp this issue, bringing together all aspects of the supply chain.
"We have been clear for many years that although supply problems are frustrating to both patients and pharmacies, they can also present a serious risk to patient safety.
"The government should also urgently publish the outcome of its consultation on allowing pharmacies to make substitutions to a prescription, where there is a shortage of a particular medicine, rather than a patient having to potentially having to go back to their GP."
