Changes to the appearance of Parkinson's drug Sinemet
10 September 2012
Over the next few months, you may notice changes to the
packaging and appearance of some Sinemet
tablets. When you see these changes will depend on current
stock levels in your local pharmacy.
There will be changes to the packaging and appearance of some Sinemet tablets.
This will not affect the quality or formulation of these Sinemet tablets.
This is because the manufacturer of Sinemet is changing the
producers of this Parkinson's
medication.
This will not affect the quality or formulation of these
Sinemet tablets.
Improvement in stock amounts
We have been talking to the manufacturers about the changes as
we know many people might be worried about them.
We are pleased they let us know about these changes before they
have happened so we can spread the word and reassure people who
take this medication.
They also tell us the change should help to ease pressure on
their current manufacturing facility. This means there should be a
gradual improvement in stock amounts of Sinemet in the next 12 to
18 months time.
This should reduce the problems some pharmacies have had in
getting the medication they need.
Which tablets will be affected?
Not all Sinemet tablets will have the new look.
The tablets that will change are:
- Sinemet 10mg/100mg
- Sinemet Plus 25mg/100mg
- Sinemet 25mg/250mg
The tablets that will not change are:
- Sinemet 12.5mg/50mg
- Sinemet CR 50mg/200mg
- Half Sinemet CR 25mg/100mg
What will the changes be?
As well as an updated information leaflet, the changes will
be:
Tablet appearance
- Sinemet 10/100mg tablets to change from dark blue to light
blue
- Sinemet 25/250mg tablets to change from light blue to dark
blue
- Sinemet 25/100mg tablets to become round (as opposed to their
current oval shape)
The removal of scoring from all 3 tablets, preventing the
breaking of the tablets and administration of half-doses.
Shelf life
The shelf life for Sinemet 10/100mg, 25/250mg and Sinemet Plus
25mg/100mg will be reduced from 3 to 2 years in the new pack.
Storage
The information with the tablets currently advises: 'Do not
store above 25°C. Store in original packaging in order to protect
it from light.'
The new pack will state: 'This medicinal product does not
require any special storage conditions.'
Pack size/price
Pack sizes for Sinemet 10/100mg, 25/250mg and Plus are moving
from 90 to 100 tablets.
More information
- If you are worried about the changes to this medication or you
notice any problems with the new tablets please phone our helpline on 0808 800 0303.
- Or you can contact the manufacturers of Sinemet, MSD, on their customer services line
on 01992 452094.
- email
-
Share