Key Summary
- The CPE said that the continuation of this "concerning trend" makes procuring medicines more complex and time-consuming.
- Pharmacy teams have been advised to regularly use the Medicines Supply Tool on the Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) website for information on supply issues.
- The CPE is seeking solutions to the ongoing volatility in the supply chain to protect pharmacies and patients.
The Community Pharmacy England has said that the list of price concessions granted for May 2026 surpasses the previous two record-breaking months and has expressed concern about its effect on pharmacies and patients.
In May, price concessions were granted to 219 lines, with a few more lines still being discussed, it added. In March, 201 improved prices were announced, and in April, it was 204.
The CPE said that the continuation of this "concerning trend" is putting more pressure on pharmacy owners and their teams, as procuring medicines becomes an ever more complex and time-consuming job.
When community pharmacies cannot source a drug at or below the reimbursement price as set out in the drug tariff, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) can introduce a price concession at the request of CPE.
The CPE said it had analysed thousands of reports to compile evidence and make representations on behalf of pharmacy owners to the DHSC, carrying out detailed negotiations on these products to secure improved prices.
A CPE spokesperson said, “May will be the third month in a row to see a record number of price concessions granted, and the third time in 2026 in which more than 200 concessions have been granted in a month.
"We are very concerned about this milestone, and about the impact that instability in the medicines supply market is having on community pharmacies – from both workload and financial perspectives.
"CPE is continuing to push for fair medicines pricing to support pharmacy owners in the short-term: community pharmacies must be able to source medicines quickly, and they must not be expected to make financial losses when supplying them. We continue to press the government for wider solutions to the ongoing volatility in the supply chain to protect pharmacies from further financial shocks, and patients from further disruption.”
Tips to pharmacy teams
Pharmacy teams have been advised to regularly use the Medicines Supply Tool on the Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) website for the latest information on supply issues, actions to take, alternatives to use, and expected resolution dates.
If they come across any drug shortage that does not yet appear on the SPS Medicines Supply Tool, they should report it online to CPE. These reports are shared with DHSC’s medicines supply team for further investigation.
Pharmacy teams should visit CPE's medicines supply resources page. This page explains why certain medications may be unavailable and manages expectations during stock shortages.
