Department of Health responds to the shortage of Sinemet
We contacted the Department of Health to ask them what they were
doing about the shortage of Parkinson's
drug Sinemet. They have a responsibility to make sure there is
sufficient supply of the generic
alternatives to Sinemet.
They have provided us with the following statement.
Department of Health statement
30 July 2010
We have been in regular contact with MSD, since they informed us of the supply problems in the autumn of 2009.
"Medicine supply problems can occur for a number of reasons,
such as manufacturing problems, difficulties in obtaining raw
materials or regulatory issues.
"The Department of Health (DH) and the pharmaceutical industry
are committed to working together to tackle these problems, and to
that end, have published joint best practice guidelines,
Notification and management of medicines shortages.
"We encourage early exchange of information to enable the DH and
industry to work together to explore options for managing the
shortage.
"We have been in regular contact with MSD, the manufacturers of
Sinemet, since they informed us of the supply problems in the
autumn of 2009.
"We have also been in discussion with Teva UK Limited, the
suppliers of generic co-careldopa, to ensure appropriate production
planning in light of MSD's shortage.
"Both companies have been providing the Department with regular
updates of their stock position.
"MSD has informed us that most formulations of Sinemet are
currently available but there may be temporary disruptions to the
supply of some over the next few months.
"The company has assured us that it is doing all it can to
rectify the situation as soon as possible. Most formulations of
generic co-careldopa tablets are also available for patients."
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