Patients ‘at risk in medicine shortage’

BRITAIN is facing a critical shortage of life- saving drugs including antibiotics, insulin and antidepressants, experts have warned.

- Julia Kuttner

And the impending crisis means that many people could now be turning to risky online sellers for vital medications.

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, has revealed that the antidepressant citalopram has been placed on the “shortages list”, along with the widely used painkiller tramadol, which is given to patients after major surgery.

Paracetamol also makes the list – and the Royal Osteoporosis Society is warning popular treatment alendronic acid is in short supply.