Ropinirole shortage?

[Felixcat]

Hi I'm new here, found this forum as my pharmacist suggests they may not be able to get my ropinirole. Have been taking it for years for RLS, now know the spasms are due to MS. PANIC!

[JDG12]

There is a supply problem with Ropinirole - it might be worth contacting them direct - uk.gsk.com/en-gb/contact-us... to clarify why and how long the issues are likely to remain so.

Some of the larger pharmacy chains might have some in stock. A point to remember is that a pharmacy cannot split a prescription - lets say pharmacy A have 14 and so does pharmacy B you would need two prescriptions for 14 and give one to each pharmacy. This is due to the way pharmacies are reimbursed by the Department of Health.

It might also be that because there is a widespread issue the manufacturer is supplying pharmacies direct upon receipt of a copy of the prescription (with your patient details removed). By undertaking this they can restrict pharmacies stock piling whilst their is an issue.

The folks at GSK are usually very helpful.

Julie

[Felixcat in reply to JDG12]

Many thanks Julie, I have emailed them and hope for a reply! My pharmacist is having to get a new prescription for 1mg tablets (I take 0.5mg) on the basis I cut them in half! Only 6 days tablets left so hope it all works out!

Cathy