We have checked with UCB, the makers of Keppra, and there is a supply problem with Keppra 500mg.
They are not available at the wholesalers, but pharmacists can order them directly from UCB. No other dosages and formulations of Keppra are affected.
Update: 19 August 2019
We have heard from Teva, the makers of Gabitril, that Gabitril will not be back in stock before the end of October. This further delay is caused by a problem with part of the manufacturing process. This is a Europe-wide issue.
Teva have also advised us that the same manufacturing problem may mean that Gabitril 10mg could experience a disruption in supply in early 2020.
Update on 13 September 2019:
Epanutin oral suspension is back in stock.
Updated story 13 August 2019:
Epanutin oral suspension is still out of stock. It was hoped that it would be back in stock by now. Pfizer, the makers of Epanutin, are not yet able to provide a date when it is expected to be back in stock. If you have any concerns about this continuing shortage of Epanutin oral suspension, speak to your GP, epilepsy nurse or epilepsy specialist.
Original story 7 June 2019:
Diazepam RecTubes (rectal diazepam) are out of stock in the UK in the 5mg and 10mg doses. The maker of Diazepam RecTubes, Wockhardt, does not know when it will have them back in stock.
The 2.5mg Diazepam RecTubes are in stock.
5mg and 10mg rectal diazepam tubes are available from other manufacturers.
Update: 7 August 2019
Milpharm topiramate 25mg tablets have been out of stock. Milpharm now has them back in stock but needs to put the tablets through technical checks. The tablets should be available from pharmacists around the week beginning 26 August 2019.
All other strengths of Milpharm topiramate tablets are in stock.
Original story: 3 April 2019
Milpharm topiramate tablets are temporarily out of stock in the 50mg and 100mg strengths. Milpharm expects to have both strengths back in stock in the first week of May.
There has been a temporary disruption to the supply of some medicines made by Sanofi, including Epilim and Frisium. Sanofi has sent us the following statement:
“Following the implementation of a new IT system by our third-party logistics provider, Kuehne & Nagel, at their warehouse in Chapeltown, pharmacies in the UK will have experienced delays in the delivery of some Sanofi medicines.
Deliveries of Sanofi medicines have now been increased significantly and we expect stock levels at our wholesale suppliers to be back to normal by 2 August 2019.
Mylan is out of stock of its version of oxcarbazepine 300mg and 600mg tablets.
The 300mg tablets are due back in stock in the week beginning 12 August 2019.
The 600mg tablets are due back in stock in the week beginning 13 September 2019.
The 150mg tablets are currently in stock.
Other manufacturers’ versions of oxcarbazepine are available. If you have any concerns about taking a different version of your medicine, speak to your GP, epilepsy nurse or epilepsy specialist.
Update - 26 July 2019:
The MHRA is recalling more batches of Vimpat 100mg tablets.
Epilim Chronosphere modified release 1,000mg granules are temporarily out of stock in the UK. This is due to an increase in demand. Sanofi expects to have them back in stock by mid-August 2019.
All other strengths of Epilim Chronosphere modified release granules are available. Other formulations of Epilim (sodium valproate) are also in stock.
Sanofi has advised that anyone with concerns about Epilim stock levels should speak to their pharmacist, who will be able to check stock levels in their area.
Accord is out of stock of its version of levetiracetam 500mg tablets. Accord expects to have them back in stock by the end of August.
All other strengths of Accord levetiracetam tablets are in stock.
