Hydroxychloroquine (Zentiva) supply problem.

[bones-bones]

Hi My chemist has rung me sat that they can't supply Zentiva Hydroxychloroquine and distributors have non. I have enough to last me 10 days.

I remember the alternative brand caused problems.

Has anyone else had the same problem with supplies or should I shop around ?

[Lupiknits]

Is your chemist Boots? Some are finding problems with them. Could be worth ringing around x

[bones-bones in reply to Lupiknits]

Hi lupiknits. No not Boots. My chemist is independent and usually very good. I know if they can they will get it. They hope to find some before I run out but who knows. !

[baba]

From Lupus uk website

"If your pharmacist has any difficulty obtaining Zentiva® branded hydroxychloroquine, the product description is: "HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULPHATE (ZENTIVA) 200MG FILM COATED" and the 'PIP number' (product code) is 1201730. If for any reason they cannot find the product on their system they can ring the customer service line on 0800 854 430."

As Lupiknits says Boots will probably say they can't get it.

[bones-bones in reply to baba]

Thank you. I may even ring that number myself !

[lupie-Cathy]

Oh no I hope they're not having problems! Hope you find some!

[bones-bones in reply to lupie-Cathy]

I hope not as I feel we've been here before !

[SjogiBear]

I've just had my repeat arrive in the post today so that's typical that the Zentiva is out of stock If there is really none available then I have had the Blackrock Pharmaceuticals version in the past and didn't have any side effects taking that.

[bones-bones in reply to SjogiBear]

Oh dear ! Do post if you can find some. A friend took Blackrock and it didn't suit her at all

[Bacardibabe76]

I have been having issues getting it too, tried loads of chemists. I am trying the tiny boots again as they say they will order it in.

Waiting to see if it's what I get

Good luck

[SjogiBear]

Just a quick note . . . went to my lovely local pharmacy who always go the extra mile for me and they did have my full 90 days worth of Zentiva already in the drawer (not specifically for me but sheer chance!).

I think it would probably be worth trying a few pharmacies to see if you can take advantage of any existing stock they might have if that's possible!

[AimeeA]

Hydroxychloroquine is a generic now so there should be lots of different manufacturers. You may ask your pharmacist for another kind that is equivalent . Another film coated brand. Perhaps you reacted in the past to one that was not enteric coated and need one that is. Talk your pharmacist and explain your concern and symptoms and they will look for an appropriate generic if a particular one didn't work for you.

It is best for you if you find more then one brand and don't become dependent on a particular brand due to problems like this with supply.

You can also ask them to supply fewer than the 90 to tide you over until they find what you need, then the balance when they do.

[bones-bones]

Thank you Aimee

When Plaquenil was not available there was a lot of discussion and then a formal suggestion on one of the Lupus sites that we should ask for the Zentiva brand as it was identical to Plaquenil.This seemed a good idea so I did and both my GP and my Chemist were happy to name it on prescriptions. I know people at the time were having problems with the alternatives.I think a lot of us are sensitive to drugs. My GP said it was likely to be the filler that upset us.

I don't know why they keep chopping and changing.

I will wait till I'm nearly out of this lot and if they haven't sourced the Zentiva brand I will discuss it with my chemist.

Pouring with rain here. Hooray ! My body doesn't like the sun 😡

[grannyjogger]

I don't usually have a problem getting Zentiva hydroxy from Boots. I try to remember to put my repeat prescription request in a week before I run out because they have to order it in but they usually get it within 24 hours. My GP has stated Zentiva on the prescription and a few times they tried to fob me off with Quinoric but I check what they have put in the bag before I leave the chemist and refuse to take the substitution. Haven't had an issue for quite a few months now. I think this may be because they have put a note on their system that only Zentiva is to be dispensed.