Accessing Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy medications (PERT)

In the UK, there is a shortage of a type of medicine called pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) that some people need to help them digest food properly.

The shortage has been caused by problems with manufacturing enough of this medicine, as it has been hard to get the ingredients needed to produce it.

While this has made it more difficult for some patients across the country to get their prescription, the majority of patients are still be able to get the medicine they need when they need it.

We are working closely with local pharmacies, GPs, and hospitals to ensure patients can get the medicines they need. We are also working to make imported PERT medicines available across in north east London pharmacies, to increase local supplies.

What to do if you run out of your medicines

Most patients will still be able to get their prescription filled when they need it.

However, if you do have trouble getting your PERT medicine or a suitable alternative, you can:

1. Contact your GP: Ask your GP for a separate prescription for PERT, without any other medications included on it. This can make it easier to get PERT from different pharmacies if your usual one is out of stock.
2. Check other pharmacies: If your regular pharmacy doesn’t have your usual brand, they might be able to direct you to another pharmacy that does, or source other brands.
3. Plan ahead: During this time, we do advise you to submit your prescription requests at least two weeks earlier than usual to give your pharmacy more time to obtain the medication.
4. Speak to your healthcare professional: If you have run out of your medication temporarily, and you are struggling to manage your symptoms, reach out to your dietitian, GP, or specialist nurse for advice on managing your diet and symptoms.
5. Specialist support lines: You can also contact specialist nurses through support lines provided by organisations like the ones listed below.
6. Contact the manufacturer: The companies which make these medicines do have a customer support line that may help you find a pharmacist nearby with stock. The number to call for Creon is 0800 808 6410 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm). The number to call for Nutrizym is 0800 090 2408 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).