Pharmacies in the UK can’t get Zomig Orodispersible tablets from wholesalers. Does anyone know why please? Is it a problem worldwide?

[JimmyJohnson]

Zomig Orodispersible Form not Available

[bamboo89]

I don't know about this drug particularly, but its not in the least uncommon for various drugs to suddenly be unavailable in the UK, as I've experienced myself on several occasions in the last two years. It's not restricted to generic forms which this article from January this year suggests it is bbc.co.uk/news/health-46843631, but more commonly with specific branded drugs such as your Zomig. You could try contacting the manufacturer of that particular drug and asking them what the problem is, but in my experience, they either won't tell you or just say there's a slight manufacturing problem but supplies will be restored shortly. Which usually turns out not to be the case, unfortunately.

I'm privately told its to do with money - the pharmacy suppliers sell their drugs for the highest price they can get, and that might mean its going abroad, because the NHS pays the lowest price; added to which, the restriction on suppliers to prioritise the NHS for drug supplies was lifted during the early days of the Tory administration a few years back. How true that is I don't know for sure, but pharmacy drug supplies are becoming a major problem for all of us - one of the drugs I take keeps me alive, so when that is not available, I've got a serious problem... I've got round it so far by ordering new supplies well before I need them, often having to drive around to different pharmacies picking up a few here and there, with my GP cooperating by issuing numerous small prescriptions.

Presumably your pharmacist has suggested a generic alternative that contains zolmitriptan, the active ingredient? If not, ask your GP or the pharmacist, though I'm guessing any generic form may not do quite the same job as the branded drug...

[JimmyJohnson in reply to bamboo89]

Many thanks for your excellent reply to my question.

[bamboo89 in reply to JimmyJohnson]

Sorry it wasn't more helpful... its a depressing situation and its only going to get worse I'm afraid. Hope you find some somewhere,or at least a reasonable substitute.

[Katya3 in reply to bamboo89]

Yes I have the same problem with HRT medication. It seems to be a national issue. One of my local pharmacies (in Morrisons) has a notice up saying don't blame your pharmacist write to your MP. Could be a good idea

[JimmyJohnson in reply to Katya3]

Thanks. It is a good idea. I’ll do it.