23.01.2026 16:00
Due to production and supply issues in England, the government has added aspirin to the export ban list. While there are serious disruptions in accessing low-dose aspirin, which is vital for heart and stroke patients in the country, it has been reported that pharmacies are selling at a loss.
The UK government has included aspirin in the export ban due to serious supply issues in the country. It has been reported that there are significant difficulties in accessing low-dose aspirin, which is primarily used to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, with production delays and supply shortages being the root of the problem.
SELLING AT A LOSS
According to data from pharmacist professional organizations, a large portion of pharmacies in the UK have been unable to supply aspirin to patients in recent days. According to a report by the Independent, as drug prices rapidly rise due to the shortage, the reimbursement amount paid by the government to pharmacies remains below costs, deepening losses and the supply chain crisis in the sector.
A dramatic increase in aspirin prices has been observed due to the shortage. The price of a pack of aspirin, which was 18 pence at the beginning of last year, has risen to as much as £3.90 this month. However, the National Health Service (NHS) reimburses pharmacies only £2.18 per pack. This situation causes pharmacies to incur a loss of approximately £1.72 for each pack they sell.
Pharmacist representatives have called for urgent regulatory changes to ensure patient safety is not compromised.