hydroxychloroquine shortages #3

[marie66]

hi guys, things have moved a bit on this. Rheumatology got hospital pharmacist to contact the chemist and advise on supply lines for hydroxy. They confirmed we do have a national supply issue with hydroxychloroquine so don’t wait till last minute to order meds!

Good news is the Hospital Pharmacy says if they have further supply issues obtaining it they must contact the Rheumatology Pharmacist. Timing was an issue here as Rheummy nurse was on holiday for 2 weeks so helpline was down and just referred back to GP! Fingers crossed an end is in sight to this mess! M x

[Fruitandnutcase]

Dare I say it - you would think that if the rheumy nurse was on holiday they might have got someone else to stand in for her. Surely it would be in the patient’s ( and hospital’s) interest two have two rheumy nurses who were capable of answering the helpline when one or other went on holiday or was off sick.

PS - I’ll be interested to see if I get my hydroxy next week. 🤞

[marie66 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

They used to have two but for the last five years there’s been only one. Ayrshire and Arran is a big area too! M x

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to marie66]

It’s not half - we used to live in the Glasgow area and RA is so prevalent in the west of Scotland.

[BoneyC]

Ordered new batch of HCQ last week and collected yesterday from my village pharmacy. Doesn't seem to be any problem but maybe its certain areas.

[Garnacha]

When I ordered mine 3 weeks ago & went to collect it from my usual pharmacy they said they couldn't get it & were told there's a shortage, I literally panicked as the last time I stopped taking it I went into an absolute massive flare which took months to settle down & only after taking prednisolone & starting lefluminode, I rang around & managed to get it from a different pharmacy so I'd advise the same to anyone else don't leave it to the last minute x

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Garnacha]

I had a similar situation getting my named blood pressure tablet - total nightmare - eventually one of the chain pharmacists pointed me in the direction of an independent pharmacy in a local village who got it for me - and on time. It is very worrying when you can’t get the medicines that are keeping you up and running.