Medicine Shortages UK July 2026 — Monthly Update

Current State: 24 Active Shortages in the UK

24 official rows are active as of 21 July 2026, against 21 tracked in mid-June — a net rise driven by six brand-new DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications rather than any single large-scale crisis. None of the medicines historically associated with the biggest UK shortage headlines — ADHD stimulants, quetiapine, fluoxetine, insulin, or the GLP-1 weight-loss drugs — currently have an active row. The active list today skews toward HRT, cardiovascular/heart-rhythm medicines, and epilepsy treatments instead.

These figures combine DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications — which notify pharmacists and prescribers of supply problems — and NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols, which are the more severe designation that allows pharmacists to dispense alternatives without a new prescription. Both are publicly tracked at mediwatch.co.uk/shortages, and this article is built directly from that live data rather than a static snapshot.

The single item to watch this week: the Ramipril 1.25mg SSP, active since April 2026, has an expected resolution date of 24 July 2026 — three days after this article was published. Check the live ramipril page for confirmation before assuming it has lapsed.

New Shortages This Month

Six new DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications have been issued since our last review in mid-June:

Disopyramide (Rythmodan) DHSC MSN — 22 Jun 2026

A DHSC Medicine Supply Notification is active for disopyramide (Rythmodan) 100mg capsules and Rythmodan Retard 250mg MR tablets, used for heart rhythm disorders. The 100mg capsules are out of stock until early April 2027; the MR tablets are expected back late July 2026. Unlicensed imports and specials are available with variable lead times — speak to your cardiology or GP team before switching.

Propafenone (Arythmol) 150mg Tablets DHSC MSN — 22 Jun 2026

Propafenone (Arythmol) 150mg tablets are out of stock until late July 2026. The 300mg strength remains available and can support a limited increase in demand, but should not be halved to approximate a 150mg dose — flecainide is listed as an alternative for some arrhythmia indications. Any switch needs cardiology or GP input.

Sodium Valproate (Epilim Chronosphere) DHSC MSN — 7 Jul 2026

Epilim Chronosphere 50mg, 250mg and 500mg modified-release granules are affected, with the 250mg strength out of stock until early January 2027. The 100mg strength remains available but cannot support increased demand. This is an epilepsy medicine — never switch formulation or brand without your neurologist or GP's direct involvement, as valproate products are not interchangeable without a dose review.

Oxcarbazepine 150mg Tablets (Viatris) DHSC MSN — 3 Jul 2026

Oxcarbazepine 150mg tablets (Viatris) are out of stock until mid-July 2026. The Trileptal-branded 150mg tablets remain available as a direct alternative — ask your pharmacist to substitute the brand.

Latanoprost/Timolol (Fixapost) Eye Drops DHSC MSN — 9 Jul 2026

Fixapost preservative-free eye drops (latanoprost/timolol) are out of stock until January 2027. Vizilatan Duo preservative-free drops remain available but cannot support increased demand; latanoprost/timolol drops containing preservatives remain available for patients who can tolerate them. Speak to your ophthalmologist before switching if you have a preservative sensitivity.

Nabilone 1mg Capsules DHSC MSN — 14 Jul 2026

Nabilone 1mg capsules (used for chemotherapy-induced nausea) are out of stock with resupply anticipated end of August 2026. The 0.25mg strength remains available and can support increased demand; unlicensed imports of the 1mg strength can also be sourced with variable lead times.

GLP-1 Supply Update: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro

GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines — Ozempic (semaglutide for diabetes), Wegovy (semaglutide for weight management), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — were the defining UK shortage story of 2023-2025. As of 21 July 2026, MediWatch's live data does not show an active DHSC or NHSBSA shortage row for any of these three medicines. The only related record is an MHRA notice for Mounjaro KwikPen 15mg pens from February 2026, which is a product-batch notice rather than a live national shortage designation.

Why this is worth stating plainly

Given how entrenched the GLP-1 shortage narrative became, it would be easy for a "monthly update" to keep repeating it out of habit. We checked the live data specifically for this article and found no active official shortage row for Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro. That doesn't guarantee your local pharmacy has stock on the shelf today — local and private-market pressure can still cause gaps — but there is currently no national DHSC or NHSBSA shortage notice behind it. Saxenda (liraglutide) likewise has no active row.

If you're struggling to access one of these medicines locally, that's a pharmacy-stock or private-supply issue rather than a tracked national shortage — try other pharmacies and speak to your prescriber, and sign up for MediWatch alerts in case that changes.

ADHD Medication Availability in July 2026

ADHD medication supply was a genuine crisis in the UK from 2022 through 2024. As of 21 July 2026, it no longer is — at least according to official data.

Elvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) and Methylphenidate

MediWatch's live data shows no active DHSC or NHSBSA shortage row for Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) or methylphenidate prolonged-release products. The MSNs that affected both throughout 2024 are marked resolved. This is a genuine improvement, not a rebrand of the same problem — but ADHD medications are controlled substances with tight production quotas, so allow at least 2 weeks' lead time for reorders and confirm availability with your pharmacy regardless.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine (non-stimulant ADHD medication, brand name Strattera) has no shortage history in MediWatch's tracked data and continues to be a consistent option if you're waiting on a stimulant medication.

The broader picture

ADHD medication demand in the UK continues to grow as diagnosis waiting lists clear gradually, so a return to supply pressure is plausible even without a specific trigger. NHS England and DHSC have stated they continue to work with manufacturers on medium-term supply plans. Sign up for MediWatch alerts for ADHD medications to be notified the moment that changes.

HRT Medicines in July 2026

HRT is the one category where the picture has genuinely not improved since May — it's the longest-running active shortage MediWatch tracks.

All four Estradot patch strengths (25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, 100mcg) have an active NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocol, running continuously since December 2024/April 2025 and most recently extended to 2 October 2026. Under the SSP, pharmacists can substitute other branded oestradiol patches such as Evorel or Progynova TS without a new GP prescription.

Utrogestan (progesterone capsules) has no active shortage row — the SSP that was running into 2026 expired in February. If your pharmacist tells you otherwise, it's worth double-checking, as this is exactly the kind of stale claim that circulates after a shortage resolves.

Patients using HRT are advised to maintain at least a month's supply and reorder promptly. Speak to your GP or gynaecologist if your specific Estradot strength becomes unavailable — most patients can switch between equivalent HRT preparations under the SSP.

Antidepressants and Mental Health Medicines

Mental health medicine supply has improved substantially since the shortages that dominated 2024–early 2026. MediWatch's live data shows no active DHSC or NHSBSA shortage row for fluoxetine, quetiapine, or venlafaxine as of 21 July 2026 — all the relevant SSPs expired in February 2026. Related SSRIs — sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram — remain well-supplied throughout.

This doesn't mean local unavailability can't happen, and the safety guidance is unchanged regardless of official shortage status: never stop an antidepressant or antipsychotic abruptly. See our dedicated mental health medication shortage page for full current status and what to do if your pharmacy is temporarily out of stock, including specific guidance on venlafaxine and quetiapine.

What's Improved and Resolved

The categories that dominated shortage coverage through 2024 and early 2026 have, according to official data, resolved:

• Quetiapine (all strengths) — 13 tracked SSP/MSN rows since 2024; the last active SSPs expired 2 February 2026.
• Fluoxetine (10mg, 30mg, 40mg) — SSPs expired 2 February 2026.
• Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and methylphenidate — MSNs from 2024 marked resolved; no active row since.
• Levothyroxine 12.5mcg tablets — SSP expired 2 February 2026.
• Utrogestan (progesterone) 100mg capsules — SSP expired 2 February 2026.
• Co-codamol 30mg/500mg tablets — the disruption reported from January 2026 has resolved.
• Carbamazepine tablets and suspension — no active row; historic 2024-2026 rows are marked resolved.

Insulin Supply Update

Insulin was a recurring shortage category throughout 2024-2025. As of 21 July 2026, MediWatch's live data shows no active shortage row for Fiasp, Humalog vials, Levemir, or the Humulin/Humalog Mix25 vial discontinuations reported previously — those are all marked resolved or historic.

NovoRapid PumpCart cartridges — the one exception

The exception is NovoRapid PumpCart (insulin aspart) 1.6ml cartridges, which remain in limited supply and cannot support new patient initiations, according to the most recent DHSC update. Alternative insulin aspart products including standard NovoRapid vials remain available, as does the mylife YpsoPump reservoir (which can be self-filled with NovoRapid vials) as a bridge for pump users.

If you use insulin and are having trouble sourcing your usual product locally, that is most likely a pharmacy-stock issue rather than a live national shortage — try another pharmacy and speak to your diabetes team before switching presentations yourself.

What to Do If Your Medicine Is in Shortage

• Check MediWatch for your specific medicine — search by name here — to see if there's a Serious Shortage Protocol active (your pharmacist can dispense an alternative without a new GP prescription)
• Contact your pharmacy before you run out. Stock levels vary by location, and many pharmacies can order in advance if given enough notice. Aim to reorder with at least 2 weeks' supply remaining
• Ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active for your medicine. If it is, they can supply an alternative immediately without a new prescription from your GP
• If no SSP is active, contact your GP. They can prescribe an alternative if your usual medicine is unavailable. Don't wait until you've run out completely
• Try multiple pharmacies. Stock is often unevenly distributed — one pharmacy may have plenty while another has none. Larger pharmacy chains often have better supply chain visibility
• Search MediWatch free for your specific medicines. You'll be notified immediately when shortage status changes
• Don't stop taking your medication without medical advice. Stopping some medicines suddenly (particularly antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and anticonvulsants) can be dangerous. Always speak to your prescriber first

Related Shortage Pages

Frequently Asked Questions