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Shortage of Epilim Chrono due to Manufacturing Problem

Posted , 1 user is following.

david01026
david01026

I was somewhat alarmed today when I went to collect my prescription of Epilim and Keppra, there was no Epilim?!?  The pharmacist told me there was a manufacturing shortage/supply problem.  I had left it to the last minute unusually so I was desperate, he managed to find 60 tablets which will give me 7.5 days supply.  I went to the surgery to get a prescription for the balance and another prescription for next month, same with the keppra, I can't pick up the prescription for two days which gives me 5.5 days hunting aroung all pharmacies trying to locate this stuff, if I can't find it then I will have to stop taking it, the leaflet warns you not to do this but I shall have no choice.  Very worried

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • karen26258
    karen26258 david01026

    Posted

    Don't worry, go to a hospital they won't have a shortage of any drugs.
    • david01026
      david01026 karen26258

      Posted

      Tried that, you have to go to A and E to get drugs, long wait!!

      ​I did get some from another pharmacy.  Apparently it is the one dose (300mg) that is difficult, other sizes like 200mg and 500mg are available, talk to your pharmacist to mix and match while the problem in supply is sorted.

    • karen26258
      karen26258 david01026

      Posted

      I am taking Perampanel (fairly new drug). My GP won't prescribe them, says they're "too expensive ", so when I need a repeat it's a case of contact Specialist Nurse and then she sends them by delivery from hospital 6 miles away. Epilim I couldn't take them they made me worse. But all the best Karen
  • BonJovisgirl
    BonJovisgirl david01026

    Posted

    This is a common problem unfortunately. I think this is why they are trying to get people to have a designated pharmacy, by telling them a week in advance there's presumably time then for them to source a supply for you. Speak to your GP if it happens again, he may be able to give you a suitable alternative if need be.
  • mo-jas
    mo-jas david01026

    Posted

    hi david

    ..just to say "spot on" to what karen has said.. my first thought even as i read it!

    been there on the pharmacy thing - even my designated (for some eight years) managed to 'dump' on me leaving me without ANY of my meds for eight days!  i managed to sort it plus i always keep a 'stash' for just such an occasion but it's a horrible cliff to be dangling over.. another thing to bear in mind is that under special circumstances a pharmacist other than the usual one can prescribe an emergency dose were they to have the stockl and can confirm it with your current people.  as you so rightly say, simply not taking it is not an option - they have no business putting you in this position.

    i'd hesitate to go with the 'gp alternative' route.. med changes pretty much have to come from neuro at the hospital - it's beyond a gp ..plus, you simply can't go chopping and changing from one drug to another, anyway.

    the main thing to remember is that it really can be sorted and should be straightforward, however tear your hair out it is to be where you are in the first place.

    best of luck and do keep us posted.

    PS  i sacked the pharmacy on the spot - there's always a better one out there if you can find it.   ;o)

     

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