Once-monthly ibandronic acid tablets in limited supply until March
Ibandronic acid 150mg tablets are in limited supply until March 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has advised.
In a medicine supply notification, the DHSC classified the shortage as Tier 2 – medium impact.
Ibandronic acid 150mg tablets are currently the only licensed once-monthly bisphosphonate available in the UK and used primarily for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women to reduce the risk of bone fracture particularly in the spine.
Once-weekly alternatives, including alendronic acid 70mg tablets and risedronate sodium 35mg tablets, remain available and are expected to support increased demand during the supply disruption.
The notification, which includes supporting information, has been sent to all pharmacy NHS email addresses.
Pharmacists can also access up-to-date supply information via the Medicines Supply Tool on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website, which requires an NHS email address for access.
New shortages not listed via SPS can be reported using Community Pharmacy England’s shortage reporting tool.
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