UK shortage of scabies medications is a snowballing public health issue, dermatologists warn

Source: The British Association of Dermatologists

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is urging manufacturers of treatments
for scabies to increase production in the face of widespread shortages across the UK.
Given the highly contagious nature of the condition, the BAD believes that these shortages
pose a significant threat to public health.

On the 8th of September, the Department of Health and Social Care issued a medicine
supply notification for permethrin 5% w/w cream indicating the limited supply of this
medication and the unavailability of alternative treatment malathion liquid. These
medications are the two main options for treating scabies in the UK, with no alternatives
which are widely available, affordable, and effective. Reports of shortages date back as far
as May. Click here to read the source article in full.

Members can keep an eye on all drug shortages via our Drug Supply Update page! This page
is updated every Friday, using data from the Specialist Pharmacy Service website.

With shortages continuing into the foreseeable future, ensure your owings process is managed in
accordance with a robust dispensary SOP and using our handy owing books. Members can login
to our website and download the “Dispex Owing SOP” (P8). All SOP  templates must personalised
for your own dispensary!!