*** Update 18 September 2025 ***

Joint Statement from the PBC Foundation and PSC Support

People living with cholestatic liver disease like Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) often experience extreme and persistent itch. For many, this can be distressing, difficult to manage, and have a serious impact on day-to-day life.

The medication Rifampicin has been a valuable second-line treatment for managing itch when other options haven’t worked. For those affected, it can make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.

We’ve recently been made aware by the NHS of a national shortage of Rifampicin in the UK. We know this will be worrying for people who rely on it, and we share those concerns.

The PBC Foundation and PSC Support believe that people with PBC and PSC should continue to have access to this important treatment. We’ll be working closely with the NHS to understand the situation, push for clear information, and ensure that the voices and needs of patients are part of the conversation.

We will continue to do all we can to support our communities during this time.

Robert Mitchel Thain- CEO PBC Foundation

Paula Hanford- CEO PSC Support

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3 September 2025

Rifampicin is sometimes used to help manage itching (pruritus) in people with PBC.

We’ve been made aware by the NHS that there is currently a national shortage of Rifampicin. We understand this may be concerning, and we are working closely with the NHS to gather more information and ensure that the patient perspective is represented.

If you’ve been prescribed Rifampicin, please speak to your liver specialist as soon as possible to discuss a safe plan for ongoing treatment during this time. What we have found out so far, is that GPs are less likely to continue Rifampicin prescriptions, but patients going to their liver specialists at hospitals have been successful in securing short-term supply.

We’ll continue to share updates on this page as we receive them.