Hospitals across England are dealing with shortages of several commonly prescribed medicines, raising fresh concerns about the resilience of the UK's pharmaceutical supply chain.
NHS trusts have reported difficulties obtaining aspirin, co codamol and ramipril, medicines routinely used for pain relief, cardiovascular conditions and the prevention of blood clots.
The shortages were reported on September 29 following a Freedom of Information investigation involving NHS trusts across England. Of 184 trusts contacted, 60 provided responses. �
The Guardian
The findings come as official UK government records confirm that all three medicines have been placed under restrictions designed to protect domestic supplies.
Which medicines are affected?
Aspirin was the most frequently affected of the three medicines examined.
According to the data reported by The Guardian, 62 percent of the NHS trusts that responded had experienced an aspirin supply problem.
Some trusts also reported difficulty obtaining co codamol, which combines paracetamol and codeine, and ramipril, a medicine commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. �
The Guardian
Nine NHS trusts reported supply problems involving two of the three medicines.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust reported shortages involving all three.
The duration of disruptions varied significantly, with some trusts reporting problems that lasted for months. �
The Guardian
UK government has restricted exports
Official Department of Health and Social Care records provide further evidence of supply concerns.
The government maintains a list of medicines that cannot be exported from the UK or hoarded because they are needed for patients in the country.
Aspirin was added to that restricted list in January 2026.
Co codamol 30mg/500mg followed later that month, while ramipril was added in August. �
GOV.UK
The government's list was updated again on September 29.
The restrictions do not mean every pharmacy or hospital has completely run out of those medicines. They are intended to prevent medicines needed by UK patients from being diverted elsewhere when domestic supplies are under pressure.
The latest official list includes a range of other medicines subject to similar restrictions. �
GOV.UK
Why are medicine shortages happening?
Medicine supply chains are complex and international.
The Department of Health and Social Care says medicines licensed for use in Britain come through a highly regulated global supply chain involving manufacturers, suppliers and distributors in multiple countries.
Disruptions can occur for many reasons, including manufacturing problems, shortages of ingredients, unexpected increases in demand and interruptions elsewhere in the international supply network. �
GOV.UK
The government works with NHS England and supply chain partners to assess shortages and introduce measures intended to reduce their impact.
The latest hospital findings nevertheless show how supply disruptions involving even familiar medicines can create practical problems for NHS services.
Hundreds of supply issues were reported in 2026
Government statistics provide a broader picture of the pressure on medicine supplies.
The Department of Health and Social Care recorded 101 supply issue notifications in January 2026, followed by 112 in February and 150 in March.
Another 91 were reported in April, 100 in May and 133 in June.
That represents roughly 700 supply issue notifications during the first half of 2026. �
GOV.UK
However, the official figures also provide important context.
The government says the number recorded during the first six months of 2026 was actually lower than during the same period in recent years.
Approximately 1,400 supply issue notifications were recorded during all of 2025, compared with around 1,900 in 2024 and 1,600 in 2023. �
GOV.UK
That means the current problems should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that every part of the medicine supply system is deteriorating.
Instead, shortages can affect particular medicines at different times, sometimes creating serious local difficulties even when the overall number of national notifications is lower.
What happens when a medicine runs short?
The UK has several mechanisms for managing medicine shortages.
Suppliers are expected to report anticipated disruptions to the Department of Health and Social Care through its Discontinuations and Shortages reporting system.
Officials then assess factors including the number of suppliers, available stock, expected duration of the shortage and whether alternative treatments are available. �
GOV.UK +1
Depending on the seriousness of the situation, authorities can work with manufacturers to increase supplies, source alternative products or issue guidance to healthcare professionals.
Export restrictions are another tool.
By preventing specified medicines from being exported or hoarded, the government aims to keep available stock within the UK healthcare system.
Patients should not change treatment on their own
Reports of medicine shortages can understandably concern people who depend on regular prescriptions.
However, a national or local supply problem does not necessarily mean an individual patient's medication is unavailable.
Availability can differ between pharmacies, hospitals, regions, dosages and formulations.
Patients who are concerned about obtaining a prescribed medicine should contact their pharmacist, GP or healthcare provider rather than changing their dosage or stopping treatment without professional advice.
This is particularly important for medicines used to manage cardiovascular conditions or other long term illnesses.
Pressure extends beyond three medicines
Aspirin, co codamol and ramipril are only part of the wider picture.
The government's restricted medicines list includes products used across numerous areas of healthcare.
The September 29 version includes medicines such as atomoxetine, cyclophosphamide, dexamfetamine sulfate, dulaglutide, estradiol and hydrocortisone, among others. �
GOV.UK
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency also published its September safety roundup on September 29, detailing medicine notifications, recalls and other safety information issued during the month. �
GOV.UK
These systems perform different functions. A medicine shortage is not the same thing as a medicine recall, and inclusion on the export restriction list does not by itself indicate that a product is unsafe.
NHS medicine supplies remain under scrutiny
The latest reports are likely to keep attention focused on how Britain manages essential medicine supplies.
Common medicines such as aspirin and ramipril are used across the NHS, meaning even temporary disruptions can require hospitals, pharmacies and clinicians to adjust procurement or treatment arrangements.
The government says it continues to work with NHS England, manufacturers and other supply chain partners to manage shortages and protect patients. �
GOV.UK
For patients, the most important point is that shortages can vary considerably by location and product.
Anyone having difficulty filling a prescription should seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional, particularly before making any change to an existing treatment.
