The government has confirmed that rationing of the blood pressure medication ramipril will continue for another three months, extending a serious shortage protocol until October 30. The shortage was first announced in April and has now been extended for the second time, leaving patients with a limited supply of the life-saving drug.
Rationing extended until October
The serious shortage notice for ramipril was due to expire in May and was later extended to the end of this week. However, the Department of Health and Social Care has now pushed the end date to October 30. The NHS has confirmed that anyone taking ramipril will be supplied one or two capsules a day, dispensed a month at a time.
Impact on patients
Ramipril is one of the five most dispensed drugs in pharmacies, with NHS data showing 35 million prescriptions issued. An estimated 14 million Brits are living with high blood pressure, a figure that is steadily rising. Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: "We are concerned by this ongoing shortage, which is one of many shortages of medicines that pharmacies and their patients have had to grapple with in recent years." He added: "Millions of patients rely on Ramipril and although there are alternative medicines available, supplies of these must be managed carefully by the government to ensure subsequent demand can be met."
NHS guidance on ramipril
NHS guidance notes that those taking ramipril will do so once or twice a day, and that their first dose may be before bedtime. The guidance reads: "Your doctor may suggest that you take your first dose before bedtime because it can make you feel dizzy. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take ramipril at any time during the day. Try to take it at the same time every day. You can take ramipril with or without food. Swallow ramipril tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water. If you're taking ramipril as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount."
