Concerns some may go online to get medication if supplies are hit by a no-deal Brexit

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have given little practical advice to patients in England about what they can do if they are left unable to get hold of their normal drugs.

The Patients Association campaign group is advising people who cannot access drugs from their GP or pharmacy to contact their local clinical commissioning group (CCG).

“Patients are in a very difficult position. The end result of Brexit could mean no change to their medicine supply at all, or potentially serious disruption,” said Rachel Power, the chief executive of the Patients Association.

Charities dealing with particular health conditions, such as Macmillan Cancer Support or Parkinson’s UK, are also being suggested as potential sources of information and advice if shortages do occur.

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The only advice from the health department and NHS is for patients to speak to their GP or pharmacist.

There are concerns that the 1 million diabetics who use insulin may be hit by supply problems. However, Diabetes UK says Sanofi and Novo Nordisk, two of the three main manufacturers of insulin, have pledged to have at least 16 weeks of stocks available in the UK.

Some patients may turn to online pharmacies to obtain drugs but no NHS or government body or health charity would support that, given the risks, for example, that medications received may be fake or out of date. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society “strongly advises against” taking such action.

Anyone travelling to an EU27 country after a no-deal Brexit is also advised to buy health insurance because European health insurance cards, which give 27 million Britons access to free healthcare on a reciprocal basis if they are visiting, working or studying in other member states, will no longer be valid.

The Patients Association helpline is 0208 423 8999.