No 200mg hydroxychloroquine!!

[RosieA]

I live in the South West UK. Told by chemist that they couldn't obtain any 200mg hydroxychloroquine - any brand. Reason for this unknown by them.

Thankfully, I can get some 300mg tablets which will keep me going. Anyone else facing this problem, or is it a one off?

[marypw]

As per Lupus UK website, the Blackrock version is out of stock in the UK, so I guess that’s causing the problem. Worrying for all of us.

[amc282 in reply to marypw]

this is from the US lupus Foundation

lupus.org/news/fda-recogniz...

[marypw in reply to amc282]

That is from 3 years ago when the shortage was due to some people saying hydroxychloroquine was effective in Covid.

[Debbie_kinsey Administrator LUPUS UK]

Hi RosieA

As far as we're aware, there are no supply issues with 200mg hydroxychloroquine in the UK, except for Blackrock which will be back in stock in May 2023 (as detailed here: lupusuk.org.uk/availability...

I know you may have limited options, particularly if you live in a more rural part of the south-west, but did you try a different pharmacy chain? The only thing I can think of is that it's a supply issue specific to that particular pharmacy.

If we hear of any general supply issues, we'll update you.

Glad you were able to obtain some 300mg tablets in the meantime.

Take care

Debbie

[RosieA in reply to Debbie_kinsey]

Thank you for this. Yes, rural location but have options. Glad to know that it isn't a general stock issue. Will go further afield if issue persists.

[Maddymay65]

Hi RosieA

Glad you managed to get some 300mg . I have found that’s is not just hydroxy that is the problem. I have had problems getting my HRT a year ago . More recently though Topirimate 25mcg there are none I am having to split 50s and more recently antibiotics - cephalexin . It’s a bit worrying . I am in the North of England .

Stay safe , take care M x

[cami]

I live South West and have had no problems getting mine

[Partner20]

There are currently shortages of several medications, affecting not only high street pharmacies but hospital ones too. Sometimes this involves particular brands or specific dosages, not the medication as a whole. Sometimes people have to take a different brand, sometimes different dosages and adjust them however they can, although this is not always ideal and sometimes not possible. Personally I am aware of shortages of epilepsy and thyroid medications. Contacting the manufacturer often gives a more accurate picture of the situation.

[Potatoheat]

I'm south west, have sent off my script, so will be interesting to see what I get on Monday . I usually have Zentiva from an independent pharmacy, Boots and Lloyds wouldn't get it.

[bertie203]

I don't get HCQ, but I had similar issues last year with Nifedipine (I'm not in the UK mind you). Unfortunately medication shortages seem to be happening more regularly nowadays.

[vasiliki_v]

Hi Rosie, I live in a rural area of Gloucestershire, and I get mine from an independent chemist but they didn't mention any problems. Hope whatever is going on gets resolved quickly and you get the 200mg tablets

[Poshcards]

My repeat prescription for Zentiva was honoured this week with out any problem, I live in Leicestershire x

[Nonameme]

I live on the Isle of Wight so options very limited. I use a rural part time GP practice with its own dispensers and it has gradually been getting worse over the last year or so. They carry their own stock so it amazes me that they even prescribe items that are not in stock or difficult to obtain. I have had to wait 3 weeks occasionally for medication required immediately!

Now they are putting up posters saying’use it or lose it’ because patients are using Lloyds delivery service any info on that service would be appreciated.

Also on this subject I have noticed items being taken off my repeat prescriptions with no notice and I have to keep making appointments to get them, one such item they will not put on repeat is Loperomide which I need a steady supply of.

[RosieA]

Difficult and unsettling for you. It is a good point though, about putting in a prescription with a significant overlap to ensure a steady supply. I have normally been quite good at that but sadly have faced significant bereavement, more than once, over the last several months. So this delay, isn't ideal as, we both know how stress can trigger flares. Oh, the delights of a chronic illness!

[ALFRED-GEE]

I have a similar problems every now and again due to supplies they said,and I live in London.

[lupie-Cathy]

I’ve had the same issue I’m prescribed zentiva brand and it’s not been available for weeks I’ve had to put up with quinoric because there isn’t any brand in stock, it really doesn’t suit me had lots of skin and bowel problems with quinoric.

Getting a bit fed up with all these out of stock things (food as well as Medication) I’m sure it’s just an excuse on the part of suppliers hold every one to ransom so they can put all the prices up!

Neither my supermarket pharmacy no boots could supply anything but quinoric and that they said would be out if stock too soon!

[RosieA in reply to lupie-Cathy]

Oh dear that is alarming for you. I have yet to go back to the dispensary to see if they have managed to find stock. Where I am, the UV index is starting to creep up and although the sun factor is on, I am very photosensitive so will need to go back up to 400mg quite soon. Just another worry to add to the list.

[lupie-Cathy in reply to RosieA]

hope you manage to get some soon

[lormiccro]

Hi, I live in Nottinghamshire and for the last 2 weeks I haven’t been able to get any 200mg hydroxy at all. I usually have the Blackrock ones but they’re telling me they can’t get any brand in my area

[RosieA in reply to lormiccro]

Sadly, the same story as mine. Can you get 300mg? Did they explain the problem to you?