The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification due to shortages of several buprenorphine transdermal patches, affecting both Relevtec and Bupeaze brands.
According to the notice, Relevtec patches at 35micrograms/hour, 52.5micrograms/hour and 70micrograms/hour strengths are out of stock until early August 2025. Additionally, Bupeaze 52.5micrograms/hour patches will be unavailable until early October 2025.
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These transdermal patches, used primarily for managing chronic pain, deliver buprenorphine via a four-day (96-hourly) matrix formulation.
The supply issue has been categorised as Tier 2, indicating a medium impact on the health system.
Despite the disruption, alternative matrix formulation patches – including Bupeaze at 35 micrograms/hour and 70micrograms/hour, Carlosafine, and Transtec – remain available and are expected to support the increased demand during the shortage period.
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A copy of the medicine supply notification, including supporting information, has been sent to all pharmacy NHS email addresses.
The DHSC and NHS England/Improvement have also directed healthcare professionals to the Medicines Supply Tool, an online platform providing real-time updates on medicine availability and resupply timelines. Access to the tool requires an NHS email address.
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Healthcare professionals encountering unlisted shortages are encouraged to report them using the official shortage reporting tool.
The notification comes after the DHSC revealed it has ‘no plans’ to conduct a review of the impact of medicine supply chain shortages on community pharmacies.
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