PCA(P)(2026)11 - Ramipril SSP Extended Until October 2026

Published: 22nd July 2026

Community pharmacy teams should be aware that the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for ramipril 1.25mg capsules has been extended. The extension allows pharmacists to continue supplying in accordance with SSP087 until 30th October 2026, helping to manage ongoing supply challenges.

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Purpose

This Circular advises Health Boards and community pharmacy contractors that the UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for ramipril 1.25mg capsules, due to expire on 24 July 2026, has been extended until Friday 30 October 2026.

The extension applies to SSP087 (ramipril 1.25mg capsules). All other terms of the SSP remain unchanged. Under SSP087, community pharmacists may continue to restrict the total quantity supplied to one month's supply of the prescribed medicine.

Community pharmacists are advised to familiarise themselves with the revised end date for the above SSP.

Background

To assist in alleviating current supply issues with medicines availability, various UK-wide SSPs have been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), in consultation with the Scottish Government. An SSP is an additional tool to manage and mitigate medication shortages for prescribing clinicians, community pharmacies and importantly patients.

Each SSP is individually developed and authorised clinically, to enable community pharmacists and dispensing doctors to dispense a different strength or formulation or alternative medicine or appliances in accordance with the protocol, rather than having to refer prescribing decisions back to the original prescriber. These protocols are time limited.

Community pharmacists are expected to use their professional skill and judgement to decide whether it is reasonable and appropriate to substitute a person's prescribed medicine using the SSP. The person will also have to agree to the alternative supply.

The DHSC frequently reviews which medicines should be under an SSP and for how long they need to be in place.

Any amendments or extensions to existing SSPs are documented on the NHS Business Services Authority website using the following link: Serious shortage protocols (SSPs) | NHSBSA.

Enquiries

For any queries on the details of this circular, please contact the Scottish Government Pharmacy Team at PharmacyTeam@gov.scot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• When does the Serious Shortage Protocol for ramipril 1.25mg capsules now expire?

  The UK-wide Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP087) for ramipril 1.25mg capsules has been extended until Friday, 30th October 2026.

• Which Serious Shortage Protocol has been extended?

  The extension applies specifically to SSP087, which covers ramipril 1.25mg capsules.

• Can pharmacists still restrict the quantity supplied under SSP087?

  Yes. Under SSP087, community pharmacists may continue to restrict the total quantity supplied to one month's supply of the prescribed medicine.

• What is the purpose of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP)?

  A Serious Shortage Protocol is a tool used to help manage medicine shortages by allowing community pharmacists and dispensing doctors to supply an alternative strength, formulation, medicine or appliance in line with an authorised protocol, without referring the prescribing decision back to the original prescriber.