A serious shortage of Ramipril 1.25mg capsules, the UK's most-prescribed blood pressure medication, has been declared across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. MediWatch's August 4 review labelled the situation a "serious shortage".
Shortage protocol extended
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) issued a Serious Shortage Protocol on April 22, which has been extended beyond May 29. This limits community pharmacies to dispensing a maximum of one month's supply per prescription, even for patients who usually receive two or three months.
Patients will not face extra prescription charges when supplied under this protocol, if they typically get three months at a time, as the shortage is not their fault.
Alternative forms available
Ramipril 1.25mg and 2.5mg tablets, plus the oral solution, remain available. However, the DHSC warned that these cannot meet increased demand if all capsule patients switch to these forms.
MediWatch advised those taking 1.25mg capsules to contact their pharmacist about tablet alternatives now, before their stock runs low.
Recall adds pressure
A recall was issued on April 20 for one batch of Ramipril 10mg capsules, manufactured by Crescent Pharma, due to a packaging error. Some cartons contained 5mg blister strips instead of 10mg. While this is a safety issue rather than a supply one, it adds pressure to the overall Ramipril supply chain.
Impact on millions
Ramipril is taken by roughly six million people in the UK and is among the top 10 most-prescribed medications overall. An ACE inhibitor, it is converted by the liver into an active molecule after swallowing, which is why it takes a short while to take full effect. It is often prescribed because it stays in the body longer and can be taken once daily.
