Warning issued to anyone in the UK taking two common blood pressure medications
Brits have been warned of serious shortages of vital medication used by millions in the UK. Ramipril and propranolol have been flagged as being in short supply by Mediwatch, which tracks medication.
The two drugs are used to treat blood pressure, with ramipril, the most-prescribed medication for the condition, taken by roughly 6million people in the UK. Ramipril 1.25mg capsules are in "serious shortage", according to Mediwatch, due to factors including a growth in demand, post Covid supply chains and manufacturing bases concentrated in countries including India and China.
Propranolol, a beta-blocker used to treat anxiety, migraines and tremor as well as high blood pressure, is also experiencing a medium shortage of 80mg and 160mg capsules.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The propranolol shortage is similarly linked to global supply chain pressures and increased demand, alongside low commercial priority by pharmaceutical companies.
Serious shortage protocol for ramipril means pharmacists can legally dispense alternative inhibitors without patients needing a new prescription.
The legal instrument can be activated by the UK Government when a critical supply issue is recognised, based on "genuine clinical and supply chain justification", according to Mediwatch.
The protocol has been extended by the Department for Health and Social Care through October 30, 2026.
The less extreme active shortage protocol for the propranolol modified-release capsules means patients can switch to immediate-release alternatives, and are encouraged to contact their GP to discuss further.
Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), said in a statement that the shortage of ramipril was "one of many shortages of medicines that pharmacies and their patients have had to grapple with in recent years".
"Millions of patients rely on ramipril, and although there are alternative medicines available, supplies of these must be managed carefully by the Government to ensure subsequent demand can be met," he said.
"While the medicine supply chain is complex, the rising problem of shortages across a wide range of medication is extremely worrying for patients and heartbreaking for pharmacists who go to great lengths to ensure they don't turn them away."