Over the counter Aspirin

General chat
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Hello all,

Just a passing comment really. Is anyone else finding that over the counter 75mg gastro aspirin seems to be in low supply at the moment?

I take one daily as I know many folks with blood cancer do and I usually pick up a few boxes in Morrisons or B&M as they are cheaper there. But for the last few weeks I’ve been struggling to find any. The shelves all appear to be empty.

I’ve never bothered to request it on prescription, but I might look into it if I can’t find any.

Anyone else finding low stocks or do you get your via the GP? Interested to know.

Nic

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Hello @nict

Thank you for posting your comment on the forum

Yes, I believe that low dose 75mg aspirin - including gastro resistant and dispersible tablets has faced low supply and some rationing across the UK.

I also understand that pharmacies have frequently suspended over-the-counter sales to reserve remaining stock for essential and emergency prescriptions but i don’t know the full detail on this.

Take good care

Kind regards

Mike

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Wow a shortage and rationing of aspirin?! Thanks for raising this @nict and for that info Mike @GenesisDevice.

I wonder if it’s worth getting aspirin via your prescription just for now @nict, does it work out much more expensive? Could you ask your haematologist to approve your prescription at their hospital pharmacy perhaps? Is there a shortage online too? Just a couple of ideas, I know how anxiety-provoking it can feel when there’s a medicine shortage :grimacing:

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Thanks @GenesisDevice for the info. I did wonder if this was the reason and it does make sense to prioritise those in need.

Yes, I might ask my GP about a prescription @Duncan. I was told in the past in a pharmacy that if it’s cheaper to buy over the counter they won’t do the prescription but that might have just been that particular pharmacy. Something to consider if the shortage continues.

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Ah yes I’ve heard similar @nict. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever filled a prescription for aspirin as it’s always been cheaper to just buy a chemist or supermarket own-brand. It’s great to keep other options open.

Speaking of, out of interest I wondered how much they cost online and could find packs of 56 enteric aspirin 75 mg for £7.33 at Lloyd’s Pharmacy (£30 minimum for free delivery, and they require diagnosis information to prescribe online). Boots’ website was down for maintenance. Bigger Tescos and Sainsbury’s sell aspirin too. Many spare options :face_exhaling: