The Department of Health and Social Care has warned that Repaglinide 1mg and 2mg tablets will be out of stock until early May.

Viatris, a healthcare company formed last year following the merger of Mylan and Upjohn, does not have stocks of the diabetes drug because of what the PSNC described as “regulatory issues".

The PSNC said another company, Rivopharm UK Limited, is out of stock “due to manufacturing issues and are unable to confirm a resupply date".

Pharmacy's negotiator also reported that “limited quantities” of Prandin (repaglinide) 500 microgram 1mg and 2mg tablets are available “but are unable to support any increase in demand,” with unlicensed supplies of the drug having been sourced.

“There is not currently a listing on (the Dictionary of Medicines and Devices) for the imported product for prescribers to select using their prescribing systems so an EPS prescription for Repaglinide 1mg or 2mg tablets (imported) cannot be issued,” the PSNC said.