Chief Exec of local ICB responds to my MP

[Regenallotment]

I wrote to my MP about the availability of Vencamil from Aristo. (In stock but pharmacies couldn’t/wouldn’t get it).

This is the reply from the chief exec of our ICB. We await a response from the Health Minister.

Thank you for sharing concerns with us. I hope you will both find the below information helpful in response to the concerns that were shared.

There are currently widespread manufacturer supply issues for many medicines which is outside the control of our local pharmacies. In order to support our health providers, we have issued guidance to our practices and pharmacies on how best to manage these situations. I am additionally assured that our local pharmacies are working hard and spending significant numbers of hours each day to source supplies of prescribed medicines for our patients.

It can be particularly difficult for pharmacies to source a ‘generic’ medicine – such as levothyroxine - where it must be a product marketed by a defined, requested manufacturer as it is not always possible for some pharmacies to order these items from their wholesalers.We have found that the specific levothyroxine tablets that your constituent needs to take can now be prescribed as ‘Vencamil’ tablets. Prescribing the tablets in this way should make it easier for pharmacies to order and obtain them. We have discussed this situation with some Herefordshire pharmacies and they have reported that ‘Vencamil’ is showing as being available to order from their wholesalers, so we do hope that this will enable your constituentto continue discussions with their own preferred pharmacy and that any stock shortages will ease.

Where a GP or prescriber wishes the patient to have this specific brand, given the relatively small number of patients who might require this preparation, (which is both lactose free and gluten free) then at least 7 days should be allowed from requesting the prescription to collecting the medicine from the pharmacy, since pharmacies will not routinely keep this instock. We have additionally discussed these concerns with the company Aristo and shared some information with them to help them to answer their patient and professional queries in the future.

I hope that the above information is beneficial to your constituent. Please do not hesitate to come back to us via xxx should there be any outstanding concerns relating to this query.

I'm really pleased with that!

[WaystarRoyco]

Great result! Congratulations to you for your sticking up for what you need.

[Regenallotment in reply to WaystarRoyco]

Love the name! Which one are you? Shiv?

Thank you, I’m very chuffed with my breakfast table direct action results.

🌱

[WaystarRoyco in reply to Regenallotment]

You should be chuffed. Even to get a reply is a result. I wrote to my Welsh MP about the state of local NHS funding back in December and got nothing, despite several follow ups.

No, I’m definitely more in the Kendall camp (although, myself, female) 😂

[Regenallotment in reply to WaystarRoyco]

Aha! I think I’m team Kendall too 🤣

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Well done.

Just why did it take all that effort for you to raise the issue, the MP to respond, the chief exec of your ICB to reply to you?

And what chance is there that this snippet of vital information works its way to the coalface - the prescribers and dispensers and the other staff involved (e.g. the assistant who actually orders the medicines in the back of the pharmacy)?

Despite my cynicism/scepticism, it does show that we CAN achieve results by taking an active part such as writing letters. Everyone - please take heart from this.

Better make sure you keep prints of that ICB letter in your pocket to pass on to prescribers and dispensers as needed!

[Regenallotment in reply to helvella]

It’s good isn’t it. Making the system work properly. What is wholly satisfying is the advice provided here gave me the confidence (and factually correct information) to know what I’m doing, saying and asking for. Much of that info from you helvella so thank you.🙏🌱

[crimple]

Regenallotment, lets hope supplies continue. Definitely useful info to keep. Pleased to report I received my Vencamil in the post yesterday. It took 7 full days to arrive. Previously has come within 2-3 days.

[Regenallotment in reply to crimple]

Yay that’s great, I am so glad you got it. Makes us all feel a bit more secure doesn’t it x 🌱

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

The more that the issues we face as thyroid patients reaches the powers that be the better.

Your MP seems to be on the ball with this one and long may supplies of Vencamil be available.

Good stuff.

[smilingjane]

That's a great response I receive my Liothyronine from Roseway Labs. Does anyone know if they would supply Vencamil? I suppose I could ring them. It would be great to get my thyroid meds from the same pharmacy.

[Regenallotment in reply to smilingjane]

I bet they could, if not then Paul from Aristo UK would happily ring them and explain how they can get it from any of the main wholesalers. 👍