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It had previously warned that pharmacists were facing a "financial cliff edge" from 1 April, when many of their costs are due to rise.

Fiona Thompson, from Bournemouth, had already taken an early retirement from her work as a hospital pharmacist just a few months before the pandemic hit.

He said GPs, dentists, community pharmacists and care homes were all "deeply worried" about the rise.

"This issue especially impacts older people and is particularly acute in rural areas, where people often have to travel further to visit their pharmacist," he said.

While the use of the drugs is limited on the NHS, they can also be bought privately – but pharmacists and doctors have warned of risks to patient safety through online sales.