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All strengths and formulations of aspirin have been added to the Government’s export ban list amid concerns of growing shortages from patients and trade organisations. 

Aspirin was added to the list of medicines that cannot be exported on January 17, with the Independent Pharmacies Association reporting that manufacturing delays and shortages of raw ingredients have hit UK supplies. 

The IPA said: “In many cases, pharmacies are simply unable to order the quantities their patients need.”

The trade body said the low prices paid for this and other medicines means “manufacturers struggle to make a viable return in the UK and are choosing instead to sell to other countries where prices are higher, leaving the UK at the back of the queue”.  

Posting on social networking site HealthUnlocked, one patient recently posted: “It appears here in South Devon there is a serious shortage of aspirin… just before Christmas Day I was told [by a pharmacy] they did not have my normal 75mg pack. 

“I went to another local chemist and purchased their last pack of aspirin.”

Patients in Leicestershire, Glasgow, East Sussex and Gloucestershire all reported similar difficulties in the comment thread. 

There are currently 33 medicines on the export ban list, including all forms of HRT product estradiol as well as GLP-1 medicines like tirzepatide and semaglutide. Chemotherapy medicine ifosamide 1.g/2g powder solution was added to the list on the same day as aspirin. 

CPE research director James Davies commented: “Medicines shortages, such as the issues currently affecting the supply of aspiring, remain a significant concern for both patients and community pharmacies.

“Our 2025 Medicines Supply Report found that one in four pharmacy teams spend more than two hours each day sourcing alternatives for their patients, diverting attention from other essential tasks and increasing workload pressures.

“Due to sterling work by community pharmacies, the cost of medicines in the UK have been driven down over time.

“Whilst positive for the NHS, this has in turn driven fragility in the medicines market, making it more brittle and less resilient. 

“As shortages continue to take a toll on patients and pharmacy teams across the country, Government and the NHS must intervene now to stabilise the medicines market, tackle supply chain disruptions and improve access to essential medications for patients. 

“CPE continues to pressure DHSC to deliver price concessions for pharmacies when the system is disrupted and we urge pharmacy owners to continue reporting price issues to us, so we can take action on their behalf.”

Related: Lords committee warned urgent generics investment needed to avoid shortages

Government to consult on shortage-busting switching powers for pharmacists