Sinemet shortage: Response from MSD UK

29 July 2010

MSD UK has now answered your questions about the shortage of Parkinson's drug Sinemet in a questions and answers (Q&A) session on our forum.

Steve Ford, our Chief Executive, comments on the drug manufacturer's answers:

"We feel there's a need for much greater clarity from MSD UK and are very keen to hear the views of people affected on the answers the company has provided.

"We hope people will take the opportunity to ask further questions to draw out a clear explanation for the reasons behind the shortage and how it is being managed."

Other activity

We have been seeking the views of the Department of Health on the way the Sinemet shortage has been handled. We've been promised a written statement to share with those affected.

We are also speaking with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and have already prompted a number of MPs to ask questions in the House of Commons on the issue.

Health ministers have responded that the Department of Health has had regular discussions with the manufacturers of Sinemet about its generic alternatives since autumn 2009 and that the situation is being kept under review.

We are continuing our conversations with the Department of Health and the MHRA and will share the outcomes of these.

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