Currently in shortage — when each is expected back
Co-codamol 30mg/500mg tablets
Tier 3 — HighExpected back: Date not yet set by DHSC. Active for over 4 months; supply remains constrained.
Diamorphine 5mg, 10mg, 100mg powder for solution
Tier 3 — HighExpected back: Date not yet set by DHSC. Hospital-supply impact — see notification.
Genotropin® (somatropin) 5.3mg and 12mg injection
Tier 2 — MediumExpected back: Date not yet set by DHSC. Specialist/endocrine-supply impact.
Co-trimoxazole 40mg/200mg/5ml and 80mg/400mg/5ml oral suspension
Tier 2 — MediumExpected back: Date not yet set by DHSC. Liquid forms affected; tablets unaffected.
Propranolol 80mg and 160mg modified-release capsules
Tier 2 — MediumExpected back: July 2026. Immediate-release tablets remain available. See related medicines →
Ramipril 1.25mg capsules
SSP087Expected back: SSP extended past 29 May 2026 expiry. Other ramipril strengths have intermittent supply. See related medicines →
Estradot® 25, 50, 75 and 100 microgram patches
SSP079, 080, 081, 082Expected back: 10 July 2026. All four strengths under their own SSP — an unusual situation reflecting long-running supply pressure on transdermal HRT.
Creon® 10000 and 25000 gastro-resistant capsules
SSP060 + SSP061Expected back: 10 July 2026. Pancreatic enzyme replacement — one of the longest-running active UK shortages.
Recently back in supply (last 60 days)
The medicines below have been removed from the active CPE / DHSC shortage list within the last 60 days. National supply has resolved, but individual pharmacies may still be working through their own backlogs — check before relying on a return-to-supply date.
Tresiba® (insulin degludec) FlexTouch® 100units/ml 3ml prefilled pens
ResolvedLevemir® (insulin detemir) FlexPen® and Penfill®
ResolvedFiasp® FlexTouch® (insulin aspart) prefilled pens
ResolvedAdipine® XL 30mg and 60mg MR tablets
ResolvedNifedipine (Fortipine® LA) 40mg modified-release tablets
ResolvedRivastigmine 4.6mg and 9.5mg transdermal patches
ResolvedCarbamazepine 100mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free (Accord)
ResolvedErythromycin 250mg gastro-resistant tablets
ResolvedSodium valproate (Epilim Chronosphere®) 100mg MR granules
ResolvedBuprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) 2mg/500mcg and 8mg/2mg sublingual tablets
ResolvedAmiodarone 100mg and 200mg tablets
ResolvedMometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler®) 200 and 400mcg inhalers
ResolvedHow we know what's in shortage and what isn't
MediWatch tracks two official UK feeds every day:
- Community Pharmacy England (CPE) Medicine Supply Notifications — the live list of DHSC MSNs in force, with tier (1–4), affected formulations, expected resolution dates and clinical advice for prescribers and pharmacists (CPE — MSN list).
- Community Pharmacy England Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) register — DHSC SSPs issued under regulations 226A/226B of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (CPE — SSP list).
We cross-reference both against the NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service supply-of-medicines pages, which carry the clinical guidance behind each notification. A shortage moves out of the "currently in shortage" section above only when CPE removes the corresponding notification — not when a pharmacy chain says stock has improved.
What to do if your medicine is on the active list
- Speak to your GP or pharmacist before stopping or switching anything.
- Order your repeat prescription early — don't wait until the day you run out.
- Try other local pharmacies — stock varies by location, supplier and day.
- If an SSP is in force for your medicine, your pharmacy may be able to dispense a different strength, quantity or related medicine without a new prescription. Ask them directly.
- If you feel unwell going without your medicine, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
- Sign up for free MediWatch alerts for the specific medicines you take.
Frequently asked questions
How many medicines are currently in shortage in the UK?
As of 28 May 2026, 12 medicines are under an active DHSC Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) or Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP). The number changes week to week as new notifications are issued and older ones expire. This page is updated daily.
When will my medicine be back in stock UK?
Each active notification carries an expected resolution date set by DHSC, but those dates can — and frequently do — shift as the situation is reviewed. The list above shows the latest expected back-in-stock date for every active shortage. We update the same day a notification changes.
How do I get notified when my medicine is back in stock?
Sign up for free MediWatch alerts for any specific medicine — we email you when the DHSC supply notification or SSP for it is closed or extended. You can also check with your pharmacy, because pharmacy-level supply often returns before the national notification is closed.
Is a "recently resolved" medicine definitely back on pharmacy shelves?
Not always. A notification is sometimes removed from the active CPE list before every pack size and strength is reliably back on pharmacy shelves. We keep recently-resolved shortages in a separate section so you can still check with your pharmacy before assuming the gap is closed.
What is a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP)?
An SSP is a legal mechanism that lets a pharmacy supply a different strength, quantity, formulation or — in some cases — a different medicine, without the prescriber having to issue a new prescription. SSPs are issued by DHSC under regulations 226A and 226B of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and are time-limited.
Is the same shortage UK-wide?
Yes — a DHSC Medicine Supply Notification or SSP applies across the whole UK. But individual pharmacies can still have short-term local gaps even when there is no national shortage, because of delivery schedules, wholesale stock and local demand.
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Join free alerts →Page last updated: 28 May 2026. This page is information, not medical advice — always speak to your GP, pharmacist or specialist team about your own medicines.