Global Ibuprofen shortage hits UK supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s

Retailers working to replenish stock ‘as quickly as possible’

A global shortage of ibuprofen appears to have disrupted supplies of the drug in supermarkets, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

A number of shoppers have shared their concerns on social media in recent weeks over a lack of availability of the anti-inflammatory medication.

One customer posted a photograph of a notice attached to an empty shelf in a branch of Sainsbury’s.

“We are currently experiencing supply issues across Sainsbury’s Ibuprofen caplets and tablets,” the notice read.

“We are working hard with our suppliers to resolve this as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Other customers also noticed a shortage of ibuprofen, with one person writing on Twitter: “Over the past few weeks I have tried to buy in Boots, Superdrug and Tesco without success. The shelves are either empty or filled up with expensive brand alternatives.”

Another agreed, adding: “I have also noticed my local Tesco has had a major shortage of paracetamol and ibuprofen for months.”

Tesco has blamed the issue on a “global shortage” of the drug, while Sainsbury’s has also confirmed it is experiencing supply issues.

“Some stores are running low on some own brand ibuprofen and paracetamol lines,” a spokesperson told The Independent.

“We’re working to replenish as quickly as possible and are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Despite the supermarkets proclaiming to be working on a solution, a number of customers have questioned whether the shortage was a result of people stockpiling ahead of a potential no-deal Brexit.

“Convinced this has to be Brexit related. No generic ibuprofen in local Tesco or Aldi for three weeks now and no date as to when supplies will resume. Normally thousands of packs. Clearly somebody somewhere is stockpiling,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another added: “Has Brexit happened already, ‘cause Tesco hasn’t had ibuprofen in stock for weeks now?! [sic]”

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are not aware of any current supply problems with ibuprofen.

“The Department has well established procedures to deal with medicine shortages, from whatever cause, and works closely with partners and industry to help prevent shortages and to help ensure that the risks to patients are minimised when they do arise anywhere in the UK.”

The news follows a recent poll of pharmacists which found that most are experiencing shortages of every major type of medicine.

Drugs in short supply included hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicines, antidepressants and pills for people living with epilepsy.

The poll suggested 84 per cent of those polled were struggling to obtain HRT drugs, while blood pressure medicine, contraceptives, painkillers and skin creams were also found to be circulating in limited supply.

Earlier this week, the government restricted exports of key drugs, including those used for HRT after manufacturing problems caused medicine shortages in the UK.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) also permitted pharmacists to provide different strengths of fluoxetine, an antidepressant, after most strengths of the drug went out of stock.

“I know how distressing medicine shortages can be for those who rely on drugs like HRT and it’s absolutely crucial patients can always access safe and effective treatments through the NHS,” said Matt Hancock, the health secretary.

“Helping the NHS is a priority for this government, and people should be fully reassured that we will always act to ensure that there is an adequate supply of the medicine you need.”