A pharmacy and online doctor service with links to Superdrug is planning to stockpile up to one million viagra pills in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Zava is currently looking to holding between 900,000 and one million erectile dysfunction tablets, which represents between three and four months of supplies – on the top of its usual buffer stock – ahead of the UK potentially leaving the EU without a deal. The medicines include Viagra and Sildenafil pills.

The company, which offers treatments such as contraceptive pills, operates its own registered pharmacies in the UK and works with the high-street cosmetic retailer Superdrug.

 

Caring for patients

 

Zava pharmacy superintendent and chief operating officer James Davies said that whatever Brexit deal is negotiated, ‘we need to make sure we care for the patients.’

He told The Pharmacist today (21 September) : ‘We usually keep two weeks of stock but are getting prepared for Brexit and are now stockpiling between three or four months supply by the end of the year in case of a no-deal Brexit .

We’ve gone through the different medicines we typically prescribe in volumes and looked at various ways of sourcing them to make sure that if it’s coming to a no-deal or a hard Brexit, we’re prepared.’

 

‘Greater’ medicine shortages

 

Earlier this month, Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) president Ash Soni told The Pharmacist that a hard Brexit could result in ‘greater’ shortages and ‘impact on patient care’.

Mr Davies said: ‘Every community pharmacy knows that the medication supply chain can be delicate. Given the uncertainty of the Brexit deal, we’re taking steps to ensure we’re able to continue to supply our patients.’

‘While we hope that there will continue to be in March a smooth transition of pharmaceuticals across the border, we need to plan and prepare for the worst.’

 

‘Safe and secure’ medications

 

Zava has added ‘additional shelving and storage’ to ensure all of the medications are kept in a ‘safe and secure way’, Mr Davies said.

‘We have made provision within our pharmacy and the pharmacies that we work with across the business to ensure that they have sufficient storage space,’ he continued.

‘We’re in discussion with our wholesalers, manufacturers and suppliers and will be keeping increased stock levels of some other medications.’