UK Government Issues Supply Warnings for Nifedipine and Oxcarbazepine Amid Multiple Brand Shortages
Key Insights
The DHSC has issued a tier two medicine supply notification for nifedipine modified-release tablets across multiple strengths, with several brands out of stock through late 2026.
Tensipine MR, Dexipress MR, Adalat LA, and Neozipine XL brands face shortages, while Adanif XL has been discontinued; alternative brands and Coracten capsules remain available.
A separate DHSC notification warns that Viatris-manufactured oxcarbazepine 150mg tablets are out of stock until mid-July 2026, with Novartis's Trileptal available to meet demand.
The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued tier two medicine supply notifications for two widely prescribed medications — the blood pressure drug nifedipine and the anticonvulsant oxcarbazepine — warning healthcare professionals of ongoing and impending shortages across multiple brands and strengths.
Nifedipine Supply Disruptions Across Multiple Brands
The DHSC has classified the nifedipine shortage as a tier two, medium-impact medicine supply notification, affecting 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, and 60mg modified-release tablet formulations. According to the notification, Tensipine MR 10mg and 20mg tablets will be out of stock from early August 2026 and early October 2026 respectively, with resupply dates for both strengths yet to be confirmed.
Dexipress MR 20mg tablets are currently out of stock until November 2026, while Adalat LA 30mg tablets will be unavailable from late July 2026 until late November 2026. Neozipine XL 30mg and 60mg tablets are also currently out of stock until early August 2026. The DHSC further noted that Adanif XL 30mg and 60mg tablets have been discontinued entirely.
Community Pharmacy England (search) (CPE) has advised that alternative brands of nifedipine modified-release tablets remain available and can support increased demand. Additionally, Coracten SR 10mg and 20mg capsules, as well as Coracten XL 30mg and 60mg capsules, are available to help meet patient needs during the supply disruption.
Nifedipine is a calcium-channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina (search), and Raynaud's (search) — a condition affecting blood flow. The medication works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, helping to increase blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.
The DHSC and NHS England have directed pharmacy teams to an online medicines supply tool that provides up-to-date information about medicine supply issues and any changes to resupply dates. A copy of the full medicine supply notification, including supporting information, has been sent to all pharmacy NHS email addresses.
Oxcarbazepine Shortage from Viatris
In a separate notification issued on 3 July, the DHSC warned that oxcarbazepine 150mg tablets produced by Viatris will be out of stock until mid-July 2026. This shortage has also been classified as tier two, medium impact.
The notification states that oxcarbazepine 150mg tablets sold under the brand name Trileptal and produced by Novartis remain available and can support increased demand during the supply gap.
Oxcarbazepine belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants or antiepileptics and is used to help control seizures or fits in patients with epilepsy (search). The DHSC has distributed the full medicine supply notification, including supporting information, to all pharmacy NHS email addresses.