Viazem shortage

[Mickent]

Hi all

I'm Mike I live in Southampton, my local Pharmacy say they can't get Viazem 180mg any more, they have suggest Slozem as an alternative, has anyone else had this problem?

A few months ago I couldn't get Metoprolol, but now that's not a problem.

Thanks

Mike

[BobD Volunteer]

There are often logistics problems with many drugs. It is all down to scheduling of manufacture and usually rights itself after a few weeks.

[cassie46]

Hi Mike - Yes I have had the same problem. Last month I had the same problem but managed to get it after phoning 5 chemists and got the last pack they had. My normal chemist is attached to the surgery, my prescription is for Thornton and Ross 180 XL Viazem, they had other doses but not the 180 same with the other chemists. I got my monthly prescription last week and again the same problem, chemist said it was on order and would be in next day, it was not.

I decided to ring Thornton and Ross and they confirmed it is not available. The reason they gave is that they now have to have a special bar code on packs (for counterfeit reasons, fake drugs online etc) and they will not have any stock until the end of August! I had to get a new prescription from the doctor and he has given me Zemtard XL 180 so will see how that goes. He did not seem to have a clue what to give me, in the end he rang the chemist to see what they had in stock and prescribed that. When I went to collect it I asked the chemist if the Thornton and Ross packs of other doses had a bar code on them and they did. So who knows if they will be available at the end of August, I thought it might be that this dose was not often prescribed but chemist said it was a popular dose.

Out of interest I looked through my other meds and some have bar codes and some have none.

Cassie

[Mickent in reply to cassie46]

Many thanks Cassie & BobD

[cassie46 in reply to Mickent]

Forgot to say in my post that when I picked up the Zemtard last Wednesday they only had 12 tablets, they are awaiting some stock. Supposed to ring when in, have heard nothing yet so may have to go back to GP for yet another prescription!!!!!!!!

[Nettie1956]

My local chemist in Southampton can't get Viazem either. I have enough for another week so he has said he might have to get me another brand.