Phenytoin shortage in UK

[devonion]

Has anyone else in the UK had trouble getting phenytoin? My pharmacy has had my prescription for 3 weeks and told my wife yesterday (as I am shielding and not going into shops), that there is a national shortage and I should see my GP and get a substitute. I have been clear 7 years now and been on phenytoin for 50 plus years and don’t wish to change and wondering if this is just an excuse.

[GillyA]

Can’t comment on that specific drug. But when I had problems a few months ago getting hold of something the pharmacist recommended ringing round small independent chemists. He said the big ones and supermarkets are often tied to a single distributor, but independents can reach out to multiple suppliers.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi Devonion

It is worrying when there are problems with supplies of your medicines. We know there are shortages of phenytoin sodium MRIM 100mg capsules which are made by Accord. But we aren't aware of any supply problems with any other strengths or other makes of phenytoin.

There's more information about this on our Drugwatch webpage where we list shortages we know about: epilepsy.org.uk/news/drugwa...

You may be able to try other pharmacists. Or you could ask your pharmacist if they can contact the manufacturer of your usual brand to see how to get supplies.

If you need a certain brand of phenytoin it might be possible to get this written on your prescription. This would mean your pharmacist should give you that brand if its available: epilepsy.org.uk/info/treatm...

If you've any questions you'd be welcome to contact us at the Epilepsy Action Helpline. The number is freephone 0808 800 5050. We are open 8.30 – 8pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday and 10am – 4pm Saturday.

Regards

Mags

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team

[devonion in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

Thank you Mags for replying it is the 100mg that I use. It may well be worth trying other chemists as you suggest.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action in reply to devonion]

Hi Devonion,

If you usually take phenytoin sodium NRIM 100mg capsules, it may be that other pharmacists won't have any available as this medicine is unfortunately out of stock. If other pharmacists don't have any either, get in touch with your GP or epilepsy specialist to discuss your treatment options.

The Department of Health and Social Care have written to healthcare professionals with advice about this shortage. They have advised doctors to switch patients to another version of phenytoin sodium 100mg capsules made by Flynn Pharma.

If phenytoin sodium capsules from Flynn Pharma are not suitable for you, other versions of phenytoin are available.

When switching you from your usual version of phenytoin your doctor should carefully monitor you during and after the change. This monitoring should include doing blood tests to check your phenytoin levels.

If you've any questions you'd be welcome to contact us at the Epilepsy Action Helpline. The number is freephone 0808 800 5050. We are open 8.30 – 8pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday and 10am – 4pm Saturday.

Regards

Jess

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team

[devonion in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

Thank you Jess for your reply much appreciated