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Shortage of Ramipril 1.25mg capsules - what you need to know

  • Writer: Healthwatch Somerset
    Healthwatch Somerset
  • 7 days ago
  • 3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

There are supply problems with Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and other heart and kidney conditions).

A national ‘Serious Shortage Protocol’ means your pharmacy may only be able to give you up to one month’s supply at a time.


What’s happening

Community Pharmacy England has shared information from the Department of Health and Social Care that Ramipril 1.25mg capsules have intermittent supply problems. These problems are expected to continue until late May 2026.


Who may be affected

You may be affected if you take Ramipril 1.25mg capsules. National guidance also asks prescribers not to start new patients on Ramipril 1.25mg capsules until the supply problem has improved.


What your pharmacy can do

A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) has been issued for Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (SSP087). This started on 22 April 2026 and is currently due to end on 29 May 2026.

  • If your prescription is for more than one month, your pharmacist may only be allowed to supply up to one month at a time (if stock is available).

  • This is to help make sure more people can get the medicine during the shortage.

  • If the pharmacy supplies a reduced quantity under the SSP, you should not be charged an NHS prescription charge for that supply.


What you should do

  • Keep taking your medicine as prescribed. Do not stop taking Ramipril without medical advice.

  • Order your repeat prescription a little earlier than usual if you can, to allow time for your pharmacy to get stock or speak to your prescriber.

  • If you are given less than usual, make a note of when you will run out and order your next supply in good time.

  • Ask your pharmacist for advice if you are worried or you have questions about your supply.


If you can’t get Ramipril 1.25mg capsules

Some other forms of Ramipril (such as tablets and oral solution) are still available, but national guidance says they may not be able to meet extra demand. If your pharmacy cannot get the capsules, your GP or nurse prescriber may suggest a different medicine instead (for example, another Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an Angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB)).


If your medicine is changed, you may need monitoring to make sure your blood pressure stays controlled and you tolerate the new medicine. Seek medical advice if you feel dizzy or light-headed after a switch.


The British Heart Foundation have lots of information about types of medicine for heart conditions on their website.


Why this is happening

Medicine shortages can happen for different reasons, including manufacturing and supply chain problems. National organisations are using extra measures (like the SSP) to manage supplies as fairly as possible until stock levels improve.


Where to get help in Somerset

  • Your community pharmacy – they can tell you what is available and what the Serious Shortage Protocol allows them to supply.

  • Your GP practice (or the clinician who prescribes your medicines) – contact them if you are running low and your pharmacy cannot get your usual medicine.

  • NHS 111 – use this if you need urgent advice when your GP practice is closed.

  • Healthwatch Somerset – we can help you find the right service and we want to hear about your experience of accessing medicines in Somerset.

If you have had problems getting Ramipril (or another medicine), telling us helps build a picture of what people are experiencing and we will share it with the people who plan local services.


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Sources

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