shortage of Zentiva brand hydroxycloroquine

[Larks0ng]

Just wondering if anyone is having problems getting Zentiva hydroxychloroquine at the moment?

I didn't get any hydroxy at all from my pharmacy (who are usually quite good) in September. They said they would deliver when in stock but it never arrived (I had a small supply in reserve). This month they sent Quinoric (Bristol Labs) which I find difficult to tolerate. I just phoned Zentiva Customer Service (0844 8793188) who were very polite but do not deal with the general public. They advised me to contact my pharmacy and give them this number if they are having problems obtaining supplies, as there is no shortage whatsoever and they are supplying all their wholesalers.

[Hidden]

Hi

Yes! I’d delays with my prescription last month too - then Boots called me a two days ago saying Zentiva is being discontinued in the UK. This is v strange as a few weeks ago Lupus UK posted on Insta saying others are also being told this by pharmacies - but said it’s not true.

Don’t know if this is helpful, but Boots told me they could get lots of other versions, and recommended Accord as it was most similar to Zentiva. I’ve looked on Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) site to see what the fillers are for each version/brand of HCQ - they do vary a lot. Both the Quinoric and IPCA versions give me awful gut issues - they include exactly the same fillers, so maybe avoid that one too if you’ve issues with Quinoric.

Having said that, I picked up the prescription today and they’d magically dispensed Zentiva anyway 🙄👍🏻 The plot thickens… ✨

[25clai in reply to Hidden]

I used to order Zentiva from Boots , but changed during the pandemic as they could no longer get it and all other Boots ones eg Quinoric caused intolerable side effects. I don’t think it’s a problem with Uk supply as I now use a different chemist with a different supplier and have no problems.it’s a Boots supply issue. Over the past year , mores d more of my regular prescriptions are not available Boots. They also ration out meds, so a pack of laxido will need 3 trips to get what the dr originally prescribed . The queues are always bad. It takes me less time to drive to another town and go to a different chemist to get my prescriptions.

[Hidden in reply to 25clai]

Thanks so much for this, it’s really interesting. Makes more sense now as I’d also had a few issues with other meds from Boots too. It’s just around the corner from me, so it’s really handy, but as you say it’s perhaps worth going a little further afield in future to save time and effort - and to get the right meds!

[wendlebury]

Hello, I’m not sure about Zentiva supplies, I know they usually dispense the cheapest variant unless you request otherwise. I cannot take the Bristol laboratories ones either, they make me feel as grotty as the actual illness! My latest ones are Zentiva. but I find Blackrock ones OK too, hope you get sorted out xx

[Gizmok9]

the product order number has changed, once boots got it not a problem to get. Info to contact Zentiva on lupus uk

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[Lizard28]

strangely enough, I went to get my prescription on Tuesday and they told me they didn’t have my hydroxy and to come back later in week, that’s never happened before. I hate the Quinoric, it tastes vile but I would take any that they have. I just hope it’s in today as I’m almost out of it.

[Whippet_lady]

My pharmacist gave me the last box they had a couple of days ago but said the was having trouble getting more Zentiva. She's very good and is chasing it up but I'll give her the phone number, thanks.

[Poshcards]

there are not any issues with Zentiva, !!

[LottieLou96]

im quite the opposite, it's the only medication and brand they keep giving me, no matter how many times I ask that it be discontinued, from April as I hate the waste.Unfortunately they don't have my Zentiva Keppra or azathioprine in stock. Other brands can seem like chalk. And another half the time the doc won't sign my rpt.

i feel you. Hopefully they have Zentiva HCQ ready for you all

[lupie-Cathy]

yes Morrisons pharmacy said their supplier had run out and gave me quinoric said they should have it next time so fingers crossed