When systems fail. A warning.

[johare]

When systems fail and for once not mine. I have been taking Flecainade for atrial fibrillation along with a bag of other meds for five years now. This and Bisoprolol have managed my arythmia well.

I have recently moved and change chemist using an automated system meaning I could not check my prescription between gp and chemist. My daughter collected it on the 24th November. I did not need the flecainade until Tuesday, it was not there.

I called the chemist who said I should have checked! They then said the makers where not supplying it and I should call my gp.

I called my gp. Who said" really" She advised I call my cardiologist. I explained I don't see one now as I had been stable. Back to her. " call him anyway".

I called my cardiologist secretary " really" she said " I type that a lot, that will be a problem ". She called back to say, its not as easy as just switching and he would get back to me at the weekend. I reminded her I had three days drugs left.

Being proactive I called the hospital pharmacy. They also were amazed. They only had three boxes left. However, this most helpful person called back to say when the supplier came the next morning she would call me if I could get a prescription.

I called the gp. On hold for fifteen minutes. Called her secretary. Who said the gp had faxed my cardiologist from ten years ago for advice. I was then put through to the prescription line, who couldn't do it because it wasn't standard. I explained I was only trying to give my gp warning that I would need a prescription on a Friday.

Sorry this is long, but in thirty years of nursing I have not seen this happen. Why does the patient get stuck sorting this. Lupus is made worse by stress? I think so

[helentad]

Hi, sorry your having these problems with tablets. Unfortunately it's not unheard of that manufacturers stop making a particular tablet. I have had issues with plaquenil for this exact same reason. I have Addison's disease and must take hydrocortisone and the manufacturer of the tablet I take stopped making it but a sister company made the same thing under a different name so had to get doctors to specify name in prescription then find a chemist that stocked that particular make.

Addison's sufferers also sometimes need an emergency injection kit and have had major issues world wide with supply of the injection which has caused some people to go into hospital because they don't have the injection and need different treatment to save the lives.

Wish manufactures would put notices on or in the box to notify us if changes or put out a notice to doctors and pharmacists to help those that depend upon the medicine.

Hope you get sorted and your health isn't effected.

[johare in reply to helentad]

I suppose I was more agree with the pharmacist for not telling me it was not included two weeks ago. They say they have not withdrawn it just not dispensing it for now? It just seems there is no joined up thinking when it comes to so much private companies being involved in health.