Shortage of Zentiva brand hydroxychloroquine

[Larks0ng]

Is anyone having problems obtaining Zentiva brand hydroxychlorquine? I live in Suffolk.

[Spanielmadlady]

I take zentiva and got it as usual on my last prescription which was 9th dec x

[Larks0ng in reply to Spanielmadlady]

Oh thank you for your quick reply! I got Bristol Lab version in November and now again in December. Pharmacy said shortages due to Covid and Brexit. Which area of the country do you live in Spanielmadlady?

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Larks0ng]

I'm Cumbria...I've had problems with my mmf that's gone offline and I've been forced to switch brands which you are not meant to do but no problems with hydroxchloroquine.my next script is new year so see what I get x

[Larks0ng in reply to Spanielmadlady]

Thank you again for the info. I will see what happens too in January. Wishing you a happy Christmas (under the circumstances), and a peaceful and hopeful New Year.🙏

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Larks0ng]

Take care LarksOng have a peaceful Christmas x

[Treetop33]

I got some and I'm based in Essex. It is specified in my prescription though and they can't prescribe anything else.

[Larks0ng in reply to Treetop33]

Hi Treetop, thanks for your reply. Yes, mine is specified on my prescription as Zentiva and has been for many years. (Well it was Plaquenil before that). I felt I had to accept this alternative (which is so horrible) because of the problems with Covid etc. I've been with this local independent pharmacy for 9 months (before that Superdrug - no problem getting Zentiva most of the time - did try Boots but they wouldn't under any circumstances try to get Zentiva for me. Changed from Superdrug as they did get in a muddle with other meds on my prescription. I guess if they say they can't get it, I'm stuck as they do deliver my meds to me and that is worth a great deal to me just now. I have hardly been out since March although I am not on the vulnerable list - but I do feel vulnerable!

[Treetop33 in reply to Larks0ng]

I'm sorry to hear you've been messed around. I get mine from the local Boots and had to make a fuss about it a while back. Chemists are not allowed by law to refuse to offer prescribed drugs. When I was in your position, I rang my GPs and the chemists to remind them all of the situation. Good luck! x

[Larks0ng in reply to Treetop33]

Thank you Treetop. I'll take on board your advice! Have a lovely Christmas and a happy and healthy 2021. x

[Tinkabell555]

Same things happening to me too for a couple of months very frustrating and the BL one they give instead is awful on the tummy! I’ve switched pharmacies as despite it being written on prescription they just say they can’t get it in. I’d keep trying I’ve found another pharmacy but will ring suppliers to try and get it, it’s not guaranteed but so far so good, I just hope it doesn’t get worse!

[Larks0ng in reply to Tinkabell555]

Thank you Tinkabell, I will see what happens in January. Just feel it's a small inconvenience in the grand scheme of things just now, but I can't let it go on for ever!I wish you a happy Christmas and a hopeful New Year. 🙏x

[Kevin53]

lupusuk.org.uk/hydroxychlor...

Happy Christmas.

Best wishes Kevin

[Larks0ng in reply to Kevin53]

Thank you, Kevin. I had read this but it's more of a generalisation about shortages of Hydroxy and not specifically the brand. But kind of you to post for me. Happy Christmas to you too. 🌲

[Kevin53 in reply to Larks0ng]

This may help:

lupusuk.org.uk/hydroxychlor...

[Larks0ng in reply to Kevin53]

Oh Hi again Kevin, this is extremely helpful. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Gives me some more ammunition going forward. Very interesting. Hope you have had a good day. Best wishes.

[LalSD]

Please try Boots. They tend to have a large selection and stock... lots of love and Merry Christmas. xx

[Larks0ng in reply to LalSD]

Thank you LalSD. I used to get it from Boots then moved house a couple of years ago and my new local Boots refused to get it for me! But thanks for the suggestion. I will try again! Happy New Year. xx

[julsz]

I always have a problem getting it, despite my GP specifically prescribing it. I probably get that brand once every 4 months or so. The others taste foul and make me feel nauseous!

[Larks0ng in reply to julsz]

Oh thanks Julsz for your reply. I guess I will just have to put up with it in these uncertain times. I'm sorry you have had to put up with it as well. Goodness knows why they all can't be the same. 🤷‍♀️. Happy New Year!

[julsz in reply to Larks0ng]

Happy New Year to you too😊