Archive note: this May 2026 article is kept for historical context and is not being republished. For the current monthly report, read the July 2026 update, or use the live shortages dashboard for real-time status. Official live data now shows 24 active shortage rows — six of them new since mid-June — and some May items below have since resolved.
Key Shortages This Month
Ramipril — SSP087 Active Through May
The Serious Shortage Protocol for ramipril 1.25mg capsules (SSP087, from 22 April 2026) remained active through May 2026. It let pharmacists limit a longer prescription to one month's supply; it did not allow a different strength or medicine. It ended on 30 October 2026 without an extension. If you take ramipril, speak to your pharmacist before your supply runs low.
Propranolol MR Capsules
Supply of propranolol 80mg and 160mg modified-release capsules remains constrained. The DHSC Medicine Supply Notification is ongoing. Immediate-release propranolol tablets are generally available as an alternative for many patients — discuss with your GP before switching formulations.
Creon (Pancreatic Enzymes)
Both Creon 10000 and 25000 capsules remain under active Serious Shortage Protocols. These are critical for patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Pharmacists can supply reduced quantities under SSP — no prescription charge applies for SSP-supplied Creon.
HRT — Estradiol Products
In the May snapshot, multiple estradiol products were affected. The current live HRT data shows active Estradot SSP rows, while Oestrogel and Sandrena are historic records rather than current official active rows. If your specific HRT product is unavailable, ask your pharmacist about equivalent alternatives and check the live status page first.
Fluoxetine
Several fluoxetine strengths were listed in the May snapshot. The latest official MediWatch data does not show a current active fluoxetine shortage row. Check the fluoxetine page for current status before acting on archive information.
ADHD Medications
Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) supply had improved compared with the 2024 disruption. The latest official MediWatch data does not show current active Elvanse or methylphenidate shortage rows, though local pharmacy availability can still vary.
Insulin & GLP-1
Multiple insulin products continue to face supply pressure, including Fiasp, Humalog vials, and Levemir. The global GLP-1 shortage (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) continues with demand outpacing manufacturing capacity. NHS England maintains strict prescribing restrictions for weight-management GLP-1 use.
What to Do If Your Medication Is Short
- Don't wait until you're out. Order repeat prescriptions as early as your GP surgery allows — ideally 2 weeks before you need them.
- Try multiple pharmacies. Shortages are often regional. A pharmacy a few miles away may have stock when your local one doesn't.
- Ask about alternatives. If a Serious Shortage Protocol is in force, your pharmacist can supply your medicine in the way it sets out, without a new prescription: some protocols name an equivalent medicine, others only limit the quantity.
- Sign up for alerts. Search MediWatch free for your specific medications and be notified the moment supply status changes.
Read the current July 2026 update →
Get Alerts for Your Medications
MediWatch tracks current official shortage rows across hundreds of medicines. Search free to check if your prescription is affected.
Check My Medicine FreeSources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications, NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols, Community Pharmacy England. Article snapshot accurate as of 12 May 2026; live-status notes added 21 July 2026. See the July 2026 update for the current monthly report.