The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued medicine supply notifications for methylprednisolone, edoxaban, and venlafaxine, and pharmacy teams have been advised to review available alternatives.
Methylprednisolone (Medrone) 100mg tablets
On 1 Sept, DHSC issued a Tier 2, medium impact notification for Methylprednisolone (Medrone) 100mg tablets. They are out of stock until week commencing 5 October 2026.
Methylprednisolone 500mg and 1000mg powder for solution for injections remain available and can support increased demand.
Unlicensed imports of Methylprednisolone 100mg tablets have been sourced, but lead times vary.
Methylprednisolone is a potent corticosteroid (steroid) used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
Edoxaban (Lixiana) 15mg tablets
The DHSC has also issued a Tier 2, medium impact notification for Edoxaban (Lixiana) 15mg tablets. They are out of stock until mid-September 2026.
Alternative direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) remain available and can support increased demand.
Unlicensed supplies of Edoxaban 15mg tablets may be sourced, but lead times vary.
Edoxaban is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) or "blood thinner."
Venlafaxine 75mg immediate-release tablets
On 26 August, DHSC issued a Tier 2, medium impact medicine supply notification for Venlafaxine 75mg, an antidepressant, which will be out of stock until November 2026.
Other alternatives:
- Venlafaxine 150mg modified release (MR) capsules remain available and can support increased demand.
- Venlafaxine 37.5mg and 75mg MR capsules remain available and can support a partial uplift in demand.
- Venlafaxine 75mg MR tablets remain available and can support a partial uplift in demand.
- Venlafaxine 37.5mg IR tablets remain available, but cannot support an uplift in demand.
- Venlafaxine 37.5mg,150mg, 225mg and 300mg MR tablets remain available, but cannot support an uplift in demand.
- Venlafaxine 225mg and 300mg MR capsules remain available, but cannot support an uplift in demand.
- Venlafaxine 37.5mg/5ml and 75mg/5ml oral solutions remain available, but cannot support an uplift in demand.
