NIfedepine shortage?

[Pipsmum]

My pharmacist has been trying to fill me recent prescription for the past two weeks, but can't get hold of supplies. We arein the north of England. Has anyne else had this problem?

Kathy

[Hidden]

Hi Kathy, nope not had a problem. I've a complete one months supply, but not taking it now, as the side effects for me were intolerable. From my profile name, based in Cardiff.

Trish

[Pipsmum]

Thanks Trish

Having done a bit of research on the NHS sites, I think it is more about pricing than a manuacturer shortage. I've emailed the site to ask what patients should do, but whether I will get a reply is up for debate.

If I find anything out, I will post on here again.

Kathy

[Bee346]

I have Valsartan prescribed....used to have Nif. but although this doesn't eliminate the Raynauds it doesn't give me side effects,....and I think it may help.

I'm in S W England -Cornwall

[beks169]

Hi Pipsmum, i take Nifidepine and am having no problems in getting it, I'm in Manchester North West

[Roamer]

Got my prescription ok this week, I'm in Notts and take Adalat Retard (nifedipine).

Hope that you manage to get some soon.

[zenabb]

I live in South Tyneside. No problem with Adalat Retard (nifedipine).

[Hidden]

I live in Birmingham. Have had no problem getting nifedipine (adalat)

[stevieboy]

Hi Yes its no go in Boots .But a chemist down the road has them ..

Boots not had them in for a month a mile away in a closer chemist a co op chemist theres no promlem . Both in same town both in west Norfolk .Ask for prist back and go to a other chemist .or ask before hand .My owoing note in Boots is from Oct 1st .

[Jeanette_Ish]

For the last couple of months have had tablets owing as they can't get hold of them, I have a weeks wait, I too live in the north

[MartinGavin]

I'M IN STOKE-ON-TRENT.NO PROBLEMS WITH IT HERE.

[Pipsmum]

Hi

Thank you all for your replies.

Well, I had a result yesterday: I know from my own work that, where there is no manufacturer shortage, pharmacies can get supplies direct, rather than going through their supplier. The problem is one of cost. Large chains, such as Boots, Lloyds,Rawlings etc all have a central supplier. If that supplier is not prepared to pay the going rate for a drug, they tell patients they are unavailable. However, as stated they are not.

On Wednesday, I looked on the internet and found an official site that said the nifedipine problem was related to the price paid to pharmacies for dispensing it. However, it stated this should not be a reason to withold the drug from patients. So, after checking that my prescription still wasnt in the pharmacy yesterday, I asked them very nicely to order it directly from the manufacturer. This was a Boots Alliance pharmacy in Morrisons. The pharmacist said she couldn't. So, as I knew she could, I became more assertive. She promised to do what she could. Two mintues later, she called me back and said one of their independent pharmacies would order it for me, and I could pick it up on Friday. Then, unbelievably, as they have told me they have had no stock since they were originally given my prescription on 11 November, they called me back, and said they 'had found two boxes in the back of a drawer'. I picked them up last night.

I don't believe they 'found' these at all. I believe they had them, but wouldn't dispense them because they didn't feel they would be adequately reimbursed. I told the pharmacist that I was considering going to the PCT about the situation. I'm not decided yet whether I will or not, but I don't see why less assertive patients should be denied their much needed drugs, just because of politics between large pharmacy chains and their greedy suppliers.

By the way, if you normally get Teva (it will tell you on the patient information leaflet) nifedipine, call them on this number: 0870 502 0304 [e-mail]. They probably don't realize Boots are refusing to dispense their drugs. They should be able to let your pharmacist have a supply.

Kathy

[bookworm]

Hiya on monday went to superdrug to get prescription on nifidepine, thankfully had some left from a previous supply and i got 70 with this supply. as when i had a med review and went to get some there were 14 short

[uknlv]

I would complain Pipsmum, there is no excuse for you not to get the medication you need. I know it isn't a life threatening issue if we don't have it. But you could get serious conditions and a lot of pain if you don't use your vaso dialators. I know from bitter experience, as I had my medication reduced, as they thought it would be fine and as a result I had three toes go necrotic and die. I have lost a good portion of two toes and two hospital stays and loads of pain. At any rate, you need to get your medication when you need it. Cost should not be a consideration or try a different pharmacy perhaps. I used to have issues all the time with Lloyds but have now gone to a little pharmacy by my GP and so far have never had any trouble other then them being short a few pills on occasion, but I always get them by the next day.