Medicine Shortages UK March 2026 — Monthly Update

Current State: 218 Active Shortages in the UK

The headline number of 218 active shortage notifications is broadly flat from March 2026, when there were around 215. The composition has shifted, however: several older notifications from 2024 have now expired or resolved, while new ones have been added in areas including cardiovascular medications, insulin, and GLP-1 drugs.

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.

The UK continues to face structural challenges in medicine supply that are unlikely to be resolved quickly: thin manufacturing margins on generics, a global boom in GLP-1 demand, and the lingering complexity of post-Brexit medicine procurement. That said, some areas have genuinely improved, and we cover those below.

New Shortages This Month

Propranolol 80mg Modified-Release Capsules DHSC MSN

A DHSC Medicine Supply Notification is active for propranolol 80mg modified-release (MR) capsules and propranolol 160mg MR capsules. This affects the longer-acting formulation used primarily for anxiety, migraine prevention, and some cardiovascular conditions. Immediate-release propranolol tablets are not affected and remain available.

The main alternative being recommended is Bedranol SR — check the Bedranol page for current availability. Patients should not stop taking propranolol suddenly; speak to your GP about alternatives if your pharmacy cannot source the MR formulation. Resolution is expected by the end of March 2026 per DHSC guidance.

Ramipril 2.5mg Tablets — SSP Active SSP Active

A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) remains active for Ramipril 2.5mg tablets. Under this SSP, pharmacists are authorised to dispense ramipril 1.25mg tablets (as a double quantity) without a new GP prescription — meaning patients don't need to visit their GP to get an alternative. This is the most common starting dose for new ACE inhibitor patients.

Higher strengths of ramipril (5mg, 10mg) are not affected and remain in good supply. If you take ramipril 2.5mg, your pharmacist can manage this for you directly. For those interested in related cardiovascular medications, see also: Lisinopril and Enalapril, which are available as alternatives in most cases.

Admelog (Insulin Lispro) DHSC MSN

Admelog (insulin lispro biosimilar) continues to be subject to an MSN with expected resolution in March 2026. Humalog (insulin lispro originator) remains available as a direct equivalent. Patients on Admelog should ask their pharmacist about switching to Humalog if supply is unavailable — this can often be done without a prescription change as both contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration. See also the related NovoRapid shortage page.

GLP-1 Supply Update: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro

GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines — including Ozempic (semaglutide for diabetes), Wegovy (semaglutide for weight management), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — remain in short supply globally and in the UK. March 2026 brings no fundamental change to this picture.

What's causing the continued shortage?

The root cause is simple: demand has grown exponentially faster than manufacturing capacity can scale. Novo Nordisk (maker of Ozempic and Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (maker of Mounjaro and its weight-management formulation Zepbound, not yet licensed in the UK) have invested billions in new manufacturing, but capacity constraints persist. Global semaglutide demand is estimated to be running at 2-3x available supply in early 2026.

In the UK, NHS England has maintained strict prescribing restrictions for GLP-1 medicines for weight management through specialist NHS weight services only — not through GP prescribing. This limits NHS use but cannot prevent private market pressure. NHS diabetes patients on semaglutide (Ozempic) are being prioritised.

What to expect in March-April 2026

Supply of Ozempic 0.25mg and 0.5mg injection pens has improved slightly in Q1 2026 compared to 2025, but the 1mg dose remains tightly constrained. Wegovy supply remains very limited. Mounjaro has become more available in private channels but NHS access remains restricted. Saxenda (liraglutide) is generally more available and can be an option for some patients — see the Saxenda shortage page and Liraglutide shortage page for details.

Patients on these medicines should: order repeat prescriptions as early as possible, try multiple pharmacies, and speak to their prescriber if they are unable to access their medicine consistently.

ADHD Medication Availability in March 2026

ADHD medication supply has been a crisis point in the UK since 2022, and March 2026 sees some improvement — but the picture remains volatile and strength-dependent.

Elvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) supply has been described by DHSC as "intermittent across all strengths" for most of 2024-2025. In early 2026, improved supply levels were announced, with all strengths now more consistently available compared to 2024. However, "improved" is relative — patients should still allow at least 2 weeks' lead time for reorders and confirm availability with their pharmacy before running low.

Methylphenidate Extended-Release

Methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets remain under an NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocol for some brands. Concerta XL (which requires brand prescribing for some patients) has been particularly affected. Immediate-release methylphenidate (Ritalin) is generally available. If your extended-release brand is unavailable, your prescriber may need to switch you to another brand temporarily — this requires a conversation about formulation equivalence. See also: Concerta shortage page.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine (non-stimulant ADHD medication, brand name Strattera) supply is more consistent than stimulant alternatives. If you're struggling to get stimulant ADHD medications, ask your prescriber whether atomoxetine might be an option as a bridge medication.

The broader picture

ADHD medication demand in the UK continues to grow as waiting lists for diagnosis clear gradually. The combination of controlled substance production quotas and rising prescriptions creates a structural squeeze that won't resolve quickly. NHS England and DHSC have both stated they are working with manufacturers on medium-term supply plans. Sign up for MediWatch alerts for ADHD medications to be notified of changes.

HRT Medicines in March 2026

The HRT supply situation has improved markedly since the crisis of 2022-2023. However, some specific products remain affected.

Estradot patches (oestradiol patches) continue to have intermittent SSPs for various strengths. The 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, and 100mcg patches have all been subject to SSPs at various times, with some still active. In most cases, pharmacists can substitute with other branded oestradiol patches such as Evorel or Progynova TS under SSP authority.

Utrogestan (progesterone capsules) supply is generally adequate in March 2026 after significant improvement in late 2025. Noriday (norethisterone 350mcg contraceptive tablets) and norethisterone (used for period delay and other indications) have had some supply issues that are slowly resolving.

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 product becomes unavailable — most patients can switch between equivalent HRT preparations.

Antidepressants and Mental Health Medicines

The antidepressant supply situation in March 2026 is broadly improved compared to 2024, but individual products continue to have sporadic issues.

Fluoxetine liquid and some capsule strengths have had SSPs active throughout 2024-2025. As of March 2026, most formulations are more available, but the 40mg capsule in particular has seen recurring issues. Related SSRIs — sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram — are generally well-supplied.

Venlafaxine 37.5mg modified-release tablets have had an SSP that has been extended multiple times. This particular strength is used for dose titration and if supply is limited, prescribers may need to prescribe alternative strengths. Mirtazapine and duloxetine supply is generally adequate.

Quetiapine modified-release tablets (50mg, 150mg, 200mg, 300mg, 400mg) remain on an active MSN from DHSC. This primarily affects the XL/MR formulation; immediate-release quetiapine is generally available. Patients should not switch formulations without medical guidance as the pharmacokinetics differ significantly.

What's Improved and Resolved

Not all the news is bad. Here are areas where supply has genuinely improved in recent months:

• Amoxicillin suspension — after significant shortages in winter 2024-2025, paediatric amoxicillin suspension is now more consistently available.
• Salbutamol inhalers — previous Salamol Easi-Breathe shortages have largely resolved, with most brands back in normal supply.
• Cefalexin tablets and suspension — multiple SSPs that were active in 2024 have now expired, with supply back to normal.
• HRT products broadly — the 2022-2023 HRT crisis is firmly in the past. Most products are now routinely available with occasional specific product issues.
• Co-codamol 30/500mg tablets — supply disruption from early 2026 is expected to resolve, with normal stock anticipated from Q2 2026.
• Phenobarbital tablets — previous shortages of 30mg and 60mg tablets are resolving with resupply expected by March 2026.

Insulin Supply Update

The insulin supply situation deserves special attention in March 2026, as there are two significant changes affecting patients:

Insulin vial discontinuations — April 2026

Several insulin products in vial form are being discontinued from April 2026. This affects Humulin I (insulin isophane), Humulin S (soluble human insulin), Humulin M3, and Humalog Mix25 10ml vials. These are primarily used in insulin pump therapy and syringe-based injection.

Cartridge and pen presentations of these insulins are not being discontinued. Patients who use insulin vials need to work with their diabetes team before April 2026 to transition to a pen or pump-compatible presentation. This is not an emergency — there is adequate notice — but it does require action. See the Admelog and NovoRapid shortage pages for related insulin information.

Porcine insulin vials

Hypurin Porcine Isophane, Neutral, and 30/70 Mix vial presentations were also discontinued previously. Cartridge presentations remain available. Patients using porcine insulin (who often have a specific clinical reason to do so) should speak to their diabetes team immediately if they haven't already addressed this transition.

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
• Sign up for free MediWatch alerts 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