Has Plaquinel been discontinued?

[Bonnie39]

My pharmacist just phoned to say it has been and I'm worried as I believe the brand is better than the generic. I was just starting to feel well too.

[Purpletop]

I haven't heard of that and even if a drug is discontinued, there would be warning from the drug companies to the GPs, hospitals, etc. I've just had my rheumatology appointment this week and there was no mention of it being discontinued, so I don't understand what your pharmacist is on about. Call the GP in the morning and see, they'll be able to advise better.

[Hidden in reply to Purpletop]

Yes. Sanofi have debranded it. It is manufactured by Zantiva. I spent all day yesterday trying to get a replacement I have 2 days of Plaquinel left .

I think the replacement is Teva or Tiva. I am going to contact my consultant on. Monday for confirmation.

Sanofi should have informed all GPs of this change .

[santos2]

Hi

I was prescribed the above but I don't

Take it as initial gave me side effects.

[dgleds]

im in Canada...they give me hydroxychloroquine....for plaquinil.

[Belee]

oh no...I hope it hasn't!....I was initially prescribed the generic one and had awful digestion and tummy problems. am so much better with plaquenil. How do we find out if it has been discontinued?

[61Annie]

I really hope this is not so. I was given Quinoic instead of Plaquinel in 2010 and my Discoid Lupus mutated to Lupus Profundus and now my consultant is struggling to deal with it

[ftjftj63]

I'm in Norway and just got back from chemist with 3 month supply of Plaquenil,my chemist did not mention any changes. I really hope they keep Them on the market.

[Barnclown]

Yikes: will ask at the hospital about this on Monday....

[willowwag in reply to Barnclown]

Hi barn clown, if you get a answer monday would you kindly inbox me to let me know as im allergic to the other hydroxy brands and can only tollerate sanofi,, blimey this is a worry x ta hunnie

[GloomyEeyore]

I'm in the UK and was prescribed Quinoric. This is the only brand I have had since I was started on Hydroxychloroquine last month. Have had no side effects on it.

[milkwoman]

Oh no! I first tried the generic and couldn't tolerate it. Name brand Plaquenil has been working for me with no side effects. I am writing my Rheumy (I'm in the US) and will ask her if this is true.

Update - I found this link (says there is a shortage but doesn't say it has been discontinued): ashp.org/menu/DrugShortages...

[Footygirl]

Hi all

I have found that COST has been the motive maker for tablets more and more. One of my meds had no supplies and I was prescribed an alternative which was not even same dosage(!) eventually more stock was found of my preferred brand and all is well again I hope.

I don't think meds get discontinued without warning its just a case of where and what is cheaper.

It leads to frustration when a former excellent service becomes a matter of cost and supplies are not as free flowing as in the past. A real puzzle.

I have been on hydroxichloroquine for 14 years with no problems

Regards OOO

[havering]

I do not think that 'Plaquenil' has been withdrawn. The problem is that G.P's use the generic term for the drug on prescriptions and therefore, pharmacists have a problem in supplying the more expensive, named, version. I overcame this by ensuring that the requirement was made absolutely clear, to the pharmacist, by the GP. Good luck.

[61Annie]

I collected my prescription from Boots yesterday. I spoke to the pharmacist and he said Plaquinel is still available and as far as he is aware it has not been withdrawn. His advise is to ensure your GP writes yourprescription as Plaquinel Sanofi and NOT just Hydroxychloroquine otherwise you will get a generic brand. Hope this helps you

[Gizmok9 in reply to 61Annie]

Hi where are you boots say can't get for me?

[61Annie in reply to Gizmok9]

I'm in West Norfolk

[Gizmok9 in reply to 61Annie]

Ta I'm in Oban, scotland don't see why they can't get then??

[Bonnie39]

I've just started on my replacement "Quintox". My tummy is not happy at all.

Call to the Dr's tomorrow I think.

[Gizmok9]

Hi I've got plaquinel written on my prescription and now a week on and boots still can't get it ?? Say no longer available. Did say trying to get another version but boots ordering is rejecting it ?? I'm on quinoric at mo and not agreeing with it any ideas? Stomach is like a washing machine and feel in a daze, taking on a full meal too.

[willowwag]

Hi all, picked up my perscription today, pharmasist said planqinell have been discontinued and sanofi are no longer manufactoring it. They have given me every tablet they have bless them and also called my consultant, i have also left a message on lupus teams voice mail. Will be finding out what one i can have as im allergic to generic non coated ones due to the fillers. Keep you posted

[willowwag]

Teva produce a hydroxychloriquine medication in 200mg like sanofi planquinel and supply england and wales, im just waiting to see if this is the closest in fillers to my planquinel.