{"id":119624,"date":"2026-04-24T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=119624"},"modified":"2026-04-24T00:44:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T23:44:30","slug":"patients-uncertainty-medicine-shortages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/patients-uncertainty-medicine-shortages\/","title":{"rendered":"Patients Face Uncertainty as UK Medicine Shortages and Recalls Collide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pharmacies across the United Kingdom have raised fresh concerns about the availability and safety of widely used medicines<\/strong>. A shortage affecting a key blood pressure drug and a recall involving a common painkiller have prompted warnings to patients and healthcare providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The developments come amid broader pressure on medicine supply chains, with pharmacists reporting rising costs and limited availability of everyday treatments. Together, these issues highlight growing strain within the system that supplies essential medication to millions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shortage of Ramipril Raises Concerns for Long-Term Patients<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A \u201cserious shortage protocol\u201d has been issued for ramipril <\/strong>1.25mg capsules, a medicine commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure and recovery after heart attacks. According to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA<\/a>), around three million items<\/strong> of ramipril are prescribed every month in England, underlining the scale of potential disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ramipril works by widening blood vessels, allowing the heart to pump blood more easily. It is available in several forms, including tablets, capsules and liquid. The current shortage specifically affects the 1.25mg capsule dosage, with guidance stating that patients should only be supplied with one month\u2019s treatment at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NPA chairman Olivier Picard <\/a>warned that some pharmacies are struggling to obtain certain strengths of the drug, while costs have risen where stock is still available. According to the NPA, pharmacists are increasingly encountering supply issues across a range of essential medicines, placing pressure on both providers and patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picard also indicated that while alternative treatments exist, their supply must be carefully managed. He called for greater flexibility, suggesting pharmacists should be allowed to substitute prescriptions without requiring patients to return to their GP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The broader context includes what the NPA describes as a fragile global supply chain<\/strong>, affected by international instability and longstanding funding pressures<\/strong> within the UK pharmacy sector. These factors, according to the organisation, have contributed to both shortages and rising prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SSP issued for Ramipril 1.25mg capsules

Effective today, SSP087 provides that where supplies are available, but the prescription is for more than one month\u2019s supply the total quantity supplied under this protocol is to be equivalent to one months\u2019 supply of Ramipril 1.25mg\u2026<\/p>— Community Pharmacy England (@ComPharmEngland) April 22, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>