Rivotril (clonazepam)
In July 2008 Roche changed the packaging of Rivotril (clonazepam), from blister packs to amber coloured bottles, containing 100 tablets. However, they have told us that there is no change to the medication.
Drugwatch
Keppra 500mg
We have just checked with UCB about Keppra 500mg tablets and there is no supply problem. It seems that it's the same problem that was reported on our drugwatch page in September.
Tegretol Retard 400mgs
Some people are being told there is a shortage of the UK version of Tegretol Retard 400 mgs. This is not the case. Some of the larger pharmacy chains are buying the cheapest versions, which at the moment seem to be the parallel imports. If pharmacists are having problems, they can contact Novartis direct for information.
Keppra (500mgs)
Some people have been told that 500 mgs Keppra tablets are not currently available. This is not true. The manufacturers have plenty of stock. The problem seems to be with wholesalers. Pharmacists can receive orders direct from UDG (stockists of UCB Pharma).
Keppra update
The stockists have told us that all stocks are back to normal for all dosages.
previous update 10 July 2008:
Stocks are limited, but supplies are available. Pharmacists can order individual patients prescriptions directly from UDG (stockists of UCB Pharma). It is only the wholesalers that are unable to obtain the medication at the moment.
Keppra (levetiracetam) 1000 milligrams (mg)
Epilepsy Action has been made aware of problems with the supply of Keppra 1000 mg.
We have contacted UCB Pharma, the manufacturer of Keppra, who have advised us that there has been a slight problem with the release of a batch of Keppra 1000mg to wholesalers. This has now been resolved and orders are being processed. Keppra 1000 mg should be back in stock with wholesalers by the end of this week (30 May 2008).
Keppra (levetiracetam) 1000 milligrams (mg)
Epilepsy Action has been contacted by a member who has informed us that a number of chemists in the Harrogate area have reported problems getting supplies of Keppra 1000 mg.
We have contacted UCB Pharma, the manufacturer of Keppra, who have advised us that they are not aware of any problems with the supply of Keppra 1000 mg.
UCB Pharma have said that chemists may be having difficulty getting supplies of Keppra 1000 mg from wholesalers. If this is the case, chemists can get supplies of Keppra 1000 mg directly from UCB Pharma.
Orlept (sodium valproate) liquid
Wockthardt UK have informd us that the packaging of Orlept (sodium valproate) liquid has changed. It has been designed with larger and clearer print on both the bottle and packaging. However, there is no change to the product itself.
Epimaz
In a statement, Teva said:
"Teva UK Limited has discontinued the Ivax branded Carbamazepine (known as Epimaz), due to manufacturing issues.
"The 200mg tablets were discontinued in June 2007, and the 400mg tablets in November 2007. The Department of Health were advised of the discontinuations at the time.
"The branded version of Carbamazepine, Tegretol, is still available, as are other generic versions of the drug.
"Patients currently taking the IVAX brand of Carbamazepine from Ivax are advised to consult their GP or pharmacist for advice."
Ivax generic gabapentin (Neurostil)
Ivax Pharmaceuticals have announced that the manufacturing site for Neurostil (gabapentin) 100mg, 300mg and 400mg capsules has been changed. All future stocks of Neurostil will be manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals at their production site in Israel. The site is fully approved by all relevant authorities.
This change in production site involves a change in the capsule colour for all three strengths: