NHS patients taking Cilostazol, a vital vasodilator used to widen blood vessels and improve circulation, have been ordered to ration their supplies as a deepening drug shortage crisis grips the UK. Pharmacists across the country have been instructed to limit supplies of the medication, which is prescribed to thousands of patients each year.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed that both the 50mg and 100mg strengths of Cilostazol are subject to severe out-of-stock notices, with normal supply not expected to resume until at least late November 2026. The warning marks the latest blow to NHS patients relying on cardiovascular treatments, compounding active supply disruptions across a broad range of vital blood pressure and heart medications.
Severe Disruptions Across Multiple Medications
Among the most severe disruptions is the popular blood pressure drug Ramipril. Under a Department of Health notice (MSN/2026/043), all strengths of Ramipril capsules - ranging from 1.25mg to 10mg - are suffering from restricted supply through to at least October 30. A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP087) remains active, granting pharmacists the power to restrict Ramipril 1.25mg prescriptions to a strict one-month supply per patient.
Patients relying on Propranolol also face severe hurdles, with modified-release 80mg and 160mg capsules completely unavailable until late November, though immediate-release tablets currently remain in stock. Supply restrictions are also affecting other blood pressure formulations, including Lacidipine (2mg and 4mg), select Nifedipine modified-release tablets, and Fortipine® LA 40mg.
Patient Safety Concerns and Strain on Services
Health leaders have warned that the escalating crisis poses a direct threat to patient safety, with over 30 essential prescriptions currently facing stockouts or acute shortages. Patients prescribed Cilostazol, typically given for leg pain caused by poor blood flow (intermittent claudication), are being advised to consult local pharmacies for stock updates.
While the DHSC noted that alternative treatments such as Naftidrofuryl 100mg remain available to meet demand, healthcare workers have warned that constant drug swapping creates immense strain on both patients and local GPs. More than half of all current generic medication supply issues in the UK have now dragged on for over six months, creating a compounding crisis as new restrictions are added on top of unresolved ones.
The Royal College of Pharmacy has called for "urgent action" to strengthen supply chains. In July, Ade Williams MBE, lead pharmacist at Bedminster Pharmacy in Bristol, said the situation had become a "national crisis" and a longer-term strategy was needed to ensure a consistent supply of medicines, according to the BBC.
