Overwhelming response to Sinemet shortage campaign

7 July 2010

We've had an overwhelming response to our campaign launched this week demanding answers from pharmaceutical company Merck over the shortage of Parkinson's drug Sinemet.

Over 300 people have emailed the Medical Director at Merck to demand more effective communication and management of the issue.

Thank you to everyone who's taken part in the campaign so far. Your voices will make a genuine difference.

Take action

We still want as many people as possible to get involved by using our simple online form to email Merck.

The more people who send an email, the louder our voice will be and the harder it is to be ignored.

Background on the Sinemet shortage

We initially contacted Merck for more information on the Sinemet shortage in November.

As the calls to our helpline increased, we put information about the shortage on our website to inform people with Parkinson's and professionals.

In partnership with the British Geriatric Society Movement Disorders Section and the Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist Association (PDNSA), we contacted Merck again to ask for direct communication with people with Parkinson’s.

In Merck's reply they acknowledged that they have not done enough to communicate with people with Parkinson's. But they have not committed to any action as yet.

Going forward

We have contacted 2 parliamentarians, who will ask questions in parliament about the shortage and what action the Government is taking.

We hope that going forward, Merck will be more proactive in its communication with people affected by Parkinson’s and that they will resolve the supply problem with Sinemet as soon as possible.

• email
• Share