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Alternatives to Cilostazol during the UK shortage: what the official notice says

Cilostazol is in short supply. Here is exactly what the official notice says is still available, what your pharmacist may be allowed to supply instead, and the questions to ask. Never switch medicines yourself.
Source data checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC

Quick answer: The official notice for Cilostazol (DHSC MSN/2026/050) names what is still available. It is quoted word for word below.

Do not switch, stop or change Cilostazol yourself. Whether a different strength, form, brand or medicine is right for you is a decision for your pharmacist or prescriber, who knows your history.

What the official notices say about alternatives to Cilostazol

Cilostazol 50/100mg tablets (DHSC MSN/2026/050)

Issued 19 October 2026 · Expected: late November 2026

Status: Out of stock until late November 2026.

What the notice says is still available (official wording):

  • “Naftidrofuryl 100mg capsules remain available and can support increased demand.”
    In plain English: There's enough stock if people are switched to it.
  • “Other licensed treatments for intermittent claudication remain available.”

Source: DHSC MSN/2026/050, Department of Health and Social Care medicine supply notification. Quoted word for word; check the notice for your exact strength and form.

Is a different medicine an option for me?

Only your prescriber can decide that. MediWatch does not suggest equivalents: medicines that look similar can differ in dose, how they are taken, interactions and side effects. If your pharmacy can't supply Cilostazol, ask your GP or prescriber what they recommend for you. The BNF and the NHS medicines A to Z are the official references they use.

What to ask your pharmacist

Already run out? Don't ration or stretch what you have. A pharmacist may be able to make an emergency supply, or use the NHS 111 emergency supply route. Call 999 if missing your medicine has caused severe symptoms.

Want to know the moment this changes? Check Cilostazol status and track it free.

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Sources and review: DHSC MSN/2026/050 · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · BNF (NICE): Cilostazol · NHS medicines A to Z · DHSC: medicine supply management
Written by the MediWatch editorial team and checked against the official sources above on 12 November 2026. This page is information, not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist, GP, specialist, NHS 111 or urgent-care advice for your own medicine. Report an accuracy issue.
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Checked against official UK sources
DHSC · NHS · NHSBSA · legislation.gov.uk

This page was written by the MediWatch editorial team and checked for accuracy against NHS, NHSBSA and legislation.gov.uk guidance. Shortage information comes from official DHSC medicine supply notifications and NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols. See our editorial policy and data sources.

๐Ÿฅ Data sourced from official DHSC, NHSBSA and MHRA publications · Updated daily · Free service