APS is now part of the company Teva UK. Teva UK is currently changing the packaging to include their details, and have also taken the opportunity to update the design. They have assured Epilepsy Action that there is no change to the formulation of the phenobarbital tablets.
Some wholesalers are having problems with their supplies of Vimpat. UCB pharma, the company that makes Vimpat, have assured us that there are no stock problems. If you are having problems getting your Vimpat, your pharmacists can order your individual prescription directly from UDG (stockists for UCB). The pharmacists themselves can contact the Epilepsy helpline (0808 800 5050) for the direct UDG fax numbers.
6 May 2010
Epanutin infatabs 50mg are now back in stock
11 January 2010
Pfizer have advised us that Epanutin infatabs, 50mg, are out of stock. This is because there was a failure with the last batch they produced.
This drug is due to be available again in April 2010. Until then, anybody who takes this drug should seek advice about alternative medication from their own doctor or epilepsy specialist.
18 February 2010
Change to Tegretol tablets
There have been a number of media reports recently highlighting a shortage of Keppra in the UK.
We are in contact with UCB, who make Keppra, about this issue. They have advised that they are supplying more than enough Keppra to the UK market. The problem lies with parallel exporting, where Keppra is sold abroad for profit.
Epilim liquid – there has been a problem with supplies. Sanofi-Aventis has now told us that Epilim liquid is back in stock, and emergency supplies are going to all wholesalers starting 5 October. All wholesalers should have stock this week. Any pharmacy having problems getting supplies can phone Sanofi Aventis for a delivery date and advice.
If your pharmacist has no stock and you need your prescription urgently, please advise them that they can order individual patients’ prescriptions directly from UDG (stockists for UCB Pharma who make Keppra) by fax.
There are no stock shortages at UCB. The issues appear to be just related to the pharmacists having difficulty getting hold of stock.
Please contact us if you have any problems.
Some pharmacies are dispensing Spanish/Portuguese versions of Mysoline. These are parallel imports. There are no UK shortages of this drug. If a pharmacy is having problems obtaining supplies, they can contact the distributors direct:
Mawdsley Brooks & Co. Tel: 0161 742 3300.
Information correct as at 21 August 2009
Epilepsy Action has spoken with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DSSPC) to clarify the status of anti-epileptic drugs in the ‘Go Generic’ policy trial.
The ‘Go Generic’ trial is to try and encourage GPs and other health professionals to prescribe generic versions of drugs. These are almost identical drugs, with identical composition, but produced by a different manufacturer. For instance paracetamol is the generic version of the original brand, Panadol.
Stocks are limited, but supplies are available. Pharmacists can order individual patients’ prescriptions directly from UDG (stockists for UCB Pharma who make Keppra) by fax. There is limited stock going to the wholesalers, which is causing the problems for some pharmacies.
Updated 1 May: See our new report
