Call for action on Sinemet shortage
5 July 2010
We're calling on all people affected by Parkinson's to join our
campaign to maintain supplies of the
Parkinson's drug Sinemet.
Waiting until 2011 is simply not good enough. This shortage should end now.
Steve Ford, Parkinson's UK Chief Executive
Merck, the company that manufactures Sinemet, has said that
limited supplies of the drug will continue into 2011.
Meanwhile, people with Parkinson's have faced real problems
getting the drugs they need.
Help us change this by using our
simple online form to email the Medical Director at Merck
to demand clear communication and effective management of the
shortage.
It will only take a few minutes but could make a big
difference.
Sinemet
People with Parkinson’s rely on drugs like Sinemet to manage the condition
and its debilitating symptoms. Finding the right medication can
take a long time.
Briony Cooke, from Reading, has been taking Sinemet for her
Parkinson's for 7 years and currently has one month's supply left.
She said:
"If I can't get hold of Sinemet, then I feel disorientated and
in a lot of pain – the only thing you can do is lie down flat on
the floor.
"If I wasn’t getting my regular dose of the drug, I would be
like this all the time."
Shortage should end now
Steve Ford, our Chief Executive, comments:
"People with Parkinson's throughout the UK rely on Sinemet to
treat their condition – Merck has a responsibility to them.
"Waiting until 2011 is simply not good enough. This shortage
should end now."
If you're affected by the shortage
It's important that you don't panic. If you're concerned, you
should speak to your Parkinson's nurse or doctor about the best
alternatives for you.
You can also make sure your pharmacist is aware of the
shortage.
If you have any concerns, you can also contact our free and
confidential helpline 0808 800 0303
- email
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