UK Medications Update, August 24, 2020

[Jess-UKMasto]

Intal

Some people with mast cell diseases use the sodium cromoglycate inhaler, Intal. The producer, Sanofi, confirmed today that it is out of stock but is expected back in late October.

Ketotifen Tablets

The tablets should now be available to be purchased from Alloga by your pharmacy, however, the identification number has changed from the one we were using earlier this summer (because we're back to the proper UK stock, apparently). The identification Information is: USP0697 ZADITEN 1 MG KETOTIFEN 60 TABLETS

Ketotifen Liquid

Ketotifen liquid is not yet available through the normal channels, as the licensed supplier does not yet have supplies. It can still be imported unlicensed. While this can be done by any pharmacy, many have not been willing or able. Some patients have had success ordering via Vicar's Cross Pharmacy in Chester (contact:Nick Goodwin) and having it delivered via post.

The licensed product is expected back at the end of September. That will be the strawberry flavoured product that contains alcohol. The identification info is as follows: Code USP0832 ZADITEN KETOTIFEN ELIXIR 300ML S/Berry

H2 Blockers

With ranitidine withdrawn from the market and some H2 blockers being used for COVID patients, there has been some pressure on supplies of the other three H2 blockers approved in the UK. The following link shows the likely availability of the different options and should remain updated. psnc.org.uk/our-news/supply...

It maybe helpful to look at the list with your prescribing doctor and/or speak with your pharmacist to decide the best choice for you. (I had my own pharmacist check to see if a higher dose pill has a line across it, which apparently signifies that it can be split in half and the active ingredient is likely to be in both halves).

And remember that if you're trying a new medication it is best to do so when you have competent adult supervision and easy access to emergency care.

[Kay-UKMasto Ambassador]

Many thanks Jess. I have now managed to get ketotifen tablets (well, they're due today), having been insistent that my pharmacist look again at availability. I have also been taking cimetidine 400mg (twice a day) which are also available locally with a bit of notice. I was initially prescribed 800mg tablets and told to take half a tablet twice a day and they do have a line across them but I found I didn't have the physical strength the cut them in half - my husband managed to break them over a piece of metal but it certainly wasn't easy so I hope I don't have to revert to those in future!