July 2015 out of stock information

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Antepsin – Supply Difficulties (Chugai) – Chugai has advised that there is no stock for community pharmacies of both Antepsin 1g/5ml Oral Suspension and Antepsin 1g Tablets

Chugai stated: “Due to a manufacturing problem it is unlikely that supply will be resumed until the end of the 2015.”

If you require to talk to a member of staff in an emergency, please contact 0208-987-5600 (within the hours of 9 am to 5pm)


Havrix Monodose™ (Hepatitis A (inactivated) vaccine (adsorbed)) – Supply Difficulties (GSK) – Due to unexpected manufacturing issues, UK availability of monovalent hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix Monodose™) from GSK will be reduced through 2015. GSK will implement strategies to ensure continuity of supply for the available vaccine stock, starting October 2014, with priority to GPs, Hospitals, Travel Clinics and Occupational Health Practitioners. Supply constraints are not anticipated to pose risks to public health in the UK as alternative hepatitis A vaccines are available from other manufacturers. Also, combination Hepatitis A vaccines are available from GSK. Supply is expected to return to full capacity by early 2016.

For any additional information, please contact the GSK customer care team on 0800 221 441.


Piportil Depot 50mg/1ml solution for injection ampoules – product discontinued (Sanofi)


Supply Difficulties (Novartis) Novartis has advised that there are currently supply difficulties with the following products and that these may be ordered from and supplied subject to availability.

  • Afinitor 5mg & 10mg
  • Exjade 500mg tablets
  • Glivec 100mg tablets & 400mg tablets
  • Myfortic 360mg gastro-resistant tablets
  • Sandostatin LAR powder and solvent for susp for injection vials 10, 20 and 30mg
  • Tasigna 150mg and 200mg capsules

For an update on availability please contact the Novartis Pharmaceuticals customer care team on 0845 741 9442.


Tredaptive 1000mg/20mg modified-release tablets – Availability suspended – MSD have announced the company is taking steps to suspend the availability of Tredaptive 1000mg/20mg modified-release tablets worldwide. MSD is recommending that physicians stop prescribing Tredaptive. MSD is also recommending that physicians review treatment plans for patients taking Tredaptive in a timely manner to discontinue Tredaptive, and consider other changes in therapy to achieve their dyslipidemia management goals. In the meantime, MSD encourages patients with questions to speak with their health care provider, and to not discontinue therapy without first speaking with their physician.


The following items are currently unavailable, hard to obtain or going short in the market. It is not an exhaustive list, and some pharmacies will have more trouble than others obtaining certain items.

ItemStatusMore information
Piroxicam gelOnly available in packs of 60g or 112g.Choose correct pack size when prescribing
Diclofenac sodium 50mg tabletsAll manufacturers out of stockAlternatives: Naproxen or ibuprofen available in small quantities
Traxam (felbinac) gelProvisional enquiries suggest   delay until winter 2015
Benzoyl Peroxide gel/creamUnavailable long termPrescribe alternative
Questran SachetsUnavailableColestyramine generic available or questran light
Creon 40000Short term manufacturing problemPrescribe as 25000 or 10000 as temporary measure
Metoprolol tabletsManufacturers struggling to supplySmall amounts available
Aciclovir eye ointment 3%Current supplies recalledContact consultant ophthalmologist to recommend an alternative.
Sucralfate tablets and oral suspensionUnavailable until at least Q2 2015Prescribe a licensed alternative e.g. PPI. Where not possible use imported licensed product (IDIS) or unlicensed special.
Transvasin creamLong term manufacturing problemPrescribe alternative
Trimovate creamUnavailable againNot expected until summer 2015
Sno tears eye dropsUnavailableNo date available, prescribe alternative e.g. hypromellose
Simple eye ointmentStock shortagesInformation from community pharmacy
Bimatoprost 0.03% eye dropsDiscontinuedBimatoprost 0.01% eye drops still available

 

Back in stock information

Mupirocin/bactrobanBack in stock
Trimethoprim 200mg and 100mg tabletsDifficult to obtain.Some pharmacies may carry small amounts of stock
CapsaicinAxsain and Zacin cream both available
Oilatum GelBack in stock
BaclofenBack in stock
Mefenamic acidsmall amount available in both strengthsSome pharmacies may carry small amounts of stock
ClonidineBack in stock
Sodium Cromoglicate eye dropsDifficult to obtainAzelastine as alternative if necessary, only £6.40 and BD