Story perspectives

NPA flags £480 m waste, drug shortages, and resistance risk

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Pharmacy Association reported that 3,400 tonnes of medicines were disposed of in 2024/25, costing the NHS £480 million.
NPA chair Olivier Picard urged patients to order repeat prescriptions while Dr Rasha Abdelsalam Elshenawy warned that antibiotics kept at home can fuel resistance.
In June, the NPA warned of Estradot and Creon shortages, while NHS England said the NHS app helps manage prescriptions and noted a decline in dependency drug prescriptions.

1 of 1

Story summary

The National Pharmacy Association reported that 3,400 tonnes of medicines were disposed of in 2024/25, costing the NHS £480 million.
NPA chair Olivier Picard urged patients to order repeat prescriptions while Dr Rasha Abdelsalam Elshenawy warned that antibiotics kept at home can fuel resistance.
In June, the NPA warned of Estradot and Creon shortages, while NHS England said the NHS app helps manage prescriptions and noted a decline in dependency drug prescriptions.