Ramipril Blood Pressure Medication Shortage – Do You Have a Back-Up Plan?

Ramipril Blood Pressure Medication Shortage

The widely prescribed blood pressure drug, Ramipril 1.25 mg capsules, is being impacted by intermittent supply issues which is expected to last until the end of May 2026.

A serious shortage protocol (SSP) has been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Missing just a few doses of your blood pressure medication can have serious consequences, and right now, supply issues are making that more likely.

Do You Have a Back-Up Plan?

Original article courtesy of Ella Pickover, Press Association

A shortage of the blood pressure medication Ramipril is causing concern across the UK. With World Hypertension Day approaching (19 May), millions of patients living with hypertension may now face limited access to essential treatment.

Key points

• A serious shortage protocol has been issued for ramipril 1.25mg capsules across the United Kingdom

• Patients are now limited to one month’s supply at a time

• Around 3 million prescriptions for ramipril are issued every month in England

• Pharmacies report rising costs and difficulty sourcing stock

• Ramipril is widely used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions

• Alternative medications exist, but supply must be carefully managed

  
  

Why this matters for kidney health

• High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease.

• Black people in the United Kingdom are up to five times more likely to develop kidney disease

• Around 1 in 3 adults with high blood pressure do not have it under control in the UK

• Uncontrolled hypertension can silently damage the kidneys over time

• Many people do not realise that missed doses, even short-term, can accelerate long-term kidney damage

“Here at the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise® (ACKEE), we recently reported on the urgent recall of Ramipril and now with reports that supplies are running low, this makes the situation even more concerning. My own journey from high blood pressure to chronic kidney disease started silently, which is why I know personally how critical access to medication is to keep hypertension under control, especially in the Black community where we are five times more likely to develop kidney disease, with high blood pressure being one of the leading causes.” - Candice McKenzie, Founder & Director, African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise® (ACKEE)

If you are concerned

If you are concerned about your medication or the impact it can have on your health, please speak to your GP or local pharmacist for advice.

What action can you take today?

• A | Ask your pharmacist if your medication is in stock and discuss alternatives early

• C | Check your blood pressure regularly, especially if your medication changes

• K | Keep healthy habits (reduce salt, stay active, manage stress)

• E | Educate yourself on how hypertension affects kidney health

• E | Engage with your community and share this information

How you can support ACKEE:

• Share – Share this blog and ACKEE’s work to raise awareness about kidney health

• Donate – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to champions like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today. Your generosity helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community.