Independent Multiple News Today

The pharmacy – or chemist’s – as we affectionately called it, used to be the beating heart of the high street. A familiar face would dispense anything from advice for an earache to the right factor of sunscreen to take on holiday. But for many of us, the local pharmacy is no more as local branches close and the friendly faces behind the counter become increasingly overworked and out of pocket.

Pharmacists have warned that a shortage of common medicines is placing patients at risk. But is your prescription at risk? See our guide below...

Drugstores warn of major shortages of key antibiotics used to treat Strep A as cases rise in the UK

Hydrocortisone cream supply is patchy across England, according to Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association for Independent Multiple Pharmacies.

Almost eight million Britons rely on statins to lower their cholesterol levels, which in turn reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Prices of the life-saving drug have rocketed due to the shortages.

More than 160 pharmacies across England have been forced to shut down over the last two years.

Warehouses are virtually empty of several types of liquid painkiller, including of best-known brand Calpol, leaving chemists scrambling for supplies.

Soaring levies on manufacturers risk a struggle to keep pharmacy shelves stocked

Pharmacy bosses have warned of a shortage of cough and cold medicines, with some pharmacists struggling to obtain the very basic supplies.

They’re the easiest way into healthcare for many people but community chemists are dying out – just when we need them more than ever