1. MediWatch UK — Free Medicine Shortage Checker
Our shortage tracker aggregates data from DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols, and presents it in a patient-friendly format. Search by medicine name and instantly see: current shortage status, severity level, expected resolution date, and recommended actions. Sign up for free email alerts to be notified automatically when your medicine's status changes.
Currently tracking shortages for high-demand medicines including: Ramipril, Propranolol, Noriday, Elvanse, and Ozempic.
2. DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications
The Department of Health and Social Care publishes notifications about medicine supply disruptions. These are primarily aimed at healthcare professionals but are publicly accessible. They provide the most authoritative information about confirmed shortages.
3. NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols
If an SSP has been issued for your medicine, it's officially confirmed as being in short supply. The NHSBSA publishes all active SSPs on their website, including what alternatives pharmacists are authorised to supply.
4. Ask Your Pharmacist
Your pharmacist has real-time visibility into stock levels through their wholesaler systems. They can tell you:
- Whether your medicine is currently in stock or on order
- Whether their wholesaler shows it as available, limited, or out of stock
- Whether it's a local issue or a wider shortage
- When stock is expected to return
5. SPS (Specialist Pharmacy Service)
The NHS SPS website publishes shortage information and clinical guidance for healthcare professionals. While aimed at pharmacists, the shortage lists are publicly accessible.
Understanding Shortage Status
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available | No known supply issues — widely available |
| ⚠️ Limited | Reduced availability — some pharmacies may not have stock |
| ⚠️ Intermittent | Supply comes and goes — may need to try multiple pharmacies |
| ❌ Unavailable | Not currently available from normal supply channels |
| 🔄 Improving | Was short but supply is recovering |
Related
Most-Searched Medicine Shortage Pages
These are the most commonly checked medicines on MediWatch in 2026:
Ramipril shortage
ACE inhibitor for blood pressure — Serious Shortage Protocol active
Propranolol shortage
Beta-blocker for anxiety & hypertension — 80mg MR affected
Noriday shortage
Norethisterone contraceptive — supply disruptions ongoing
Elvanse shortage
ADHD medication — intermittent supply across all strengths
Ozempic shortage
Semaglutide for diabetes — demand exceeds supply
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my medicine is in shortage in the UK?
The quickest way is to use MediWatch's medicine shortage checker — a free tool tracking all UK shortages from official DHSC and NHSBSA data. Search for your medicine by name to see current status, expected resolution, and recommended actions. You can also ask your pharmacist directly.
What is a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP)?
An SSP is issued by NHSBSA when a medicine is officially in short supply. SSPs authorise pharmacists to supply an alternative medicine or different quantity without needing a new prescription from the GP — giving patients faster access to alternatives during a shortage.
What does a DHSC Medicine Supply Notification mean?
A Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) is issued by the Department of Health and Social Care to alert pharmacists and prescribers of a supply disruption. MSNs are publicly accessible and include expected resolution dates and recommended alternatives. MediWatch aggregates all active MSNs in one place.
Can I still get my medicine if it is in shortage?
Yes, in most cases. If a Serious Shortage Protocol is active, your pharmacist can supply an alternative without a new prescription. If not, your GP can prescribe an alternative. Different pharmacies may have different stock levels, so it is worth trying a few. See our full guide on what to do when your medicine is out of stock →
See also
How we monitor medicine shortages
Understand the data behind status updates
Most commonly shorted medicines in the UK
Commonly affected medicines to watch
A-Z medicine shortage pages
Check your specific medicine in one place
UK Medicine Shortage List 2026
Complete list of all 218 active shortages
Page last updated: 1 March 2026. Data checked daily.