Pharmacies warn that blood pressure and cancer drugs are running short amid the Iran war, with winter approaching

The Independent Pharmacies Association, representing 5,000 pharmacies in England and Wales, warns that supplies of critical medicines are running low as the Iran war chokes global shipping routes and forces fuel costs higher. Britain imports nearly three-quarters of its medicines, leaving it acutely exposed to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

Drugs already on official shortage lists include Propranolol for blood pressure, cancer painkillers and cholesterol medicines.