Antabuse shortage in Scotland — March 2024 updates
Scotland faced a critical shortage of Antabuse in March 2024. If you or someone you know relies on Antabuse (disulfiram), this update explains what happened, who is affected, and practical steps to take now.
What happened is simple but serious: supply problems and distribution delays left pharmacies short. Hospitals and community services started rationing doses. Clinicians reported an increase in risk because patients missed doses or could not start treatment.
Who is affected? People being treated for alcohol dependence, charities and addiction teams, and family members trying to support loved ones. Antabuse helps by causing unpleasant effects if alcohol is drunk. Stopping the drug without a clear plan can lead to relapse.
If you are affected, do these practical things now. Contact your GP or addiction service immediately. Ask about short-term alternatives, shared care plans, or supervised dosing. Pharmacies may keep waiting lists. Call ahead before visiting. Community pharmacies often have updates faster than national notices.
Alternatives and safety
Doctors can consider other medicines or behavioral supports while Antabuse is unavailable. Naltrexone and acamprosate are different drugs used for alcohol dependence. They work differently and are not direct substitutes, so you need a doctor to decide.
If you feel unsafe or at risk of relapse, ask for urgent help. Crisis teams, local emergency services, or addiction outreach workers can offer immediate support. If alcohol use becomes life-threatening, call emergency services.
How to stay informed
Check NHS and local health board alerts. Charities like Alcohol Change UK and local volunteer groups post updates and advice. Follow clinic phone lines for real-time info. Keep a list of support contacts in your phone.
What this archive covers: our March 2024 post detailed the shortage, frontline responses, and patient risks. We linked to official statements and suggested immediate steps for patients and carers.
If you want updates, bookmark this site or subscribe to alerts. We will post new information as supply changes or new guidance appears.
Final practical tip: keep moving with your care plan. Stay in touch with your clinic, plan for appointments, and ask about bridging support if your medication runs out.
Pharmacists can request emergency supplies from wholesalers and sometimes mix doses. Ask your pharmacist what they can do and whether nearby branches have stock. If travel is possible, some patients have found supplies in neighboring health boards, but always check before going.
Keep a treatment summary handy. It should list your current medicines, doses, last clinic contact, and your GP phone number. That makes it faster for staff to help in an emergency.
Remember, Antabuse is effective only as part of a wider plan. Counseling, peer support, and daily structure matter a lot. If the drug is unavailable, focus on those parts you can control.
If you're a clinician or pharmacist with supply info, please contact local boards and pharmacies. Share stock data so patients get fast help. We'll update this archive when official fixes or import plans are announced. Stay safe and keep checking trusted health sources daily always.
