Hydroxychloroquine Availability - 22nd July 2019 Update

[Paul_Howard]

Hi everyone,

As many of you will be aware, over the past few months we've been receiving an increasing number of enquiries from people who are struggling to get hold of the brand of hydroxychloroquine that they need (most commonly Zentiva or Blackrock). The conversation has come up in this community a few times. To help answer all of your questions on this topic and provide you with an information sheet to hand to your prescribing doctor and/or pharmacist we have updated and improved the Q&A on our website. This can be accessed at lupusuk.org.uk/hydroxychlor...

Teva UK Limited

We have just confirmed with Teva UK that in April 2019 they discontinued production of their version of the generic 200mg hydroxychloroquine tablets. You can get more information and advice about this at lupusuk.org.uk/teva-hydroxy...

Zentiva Supplies

We have now been informed by Zentiva Customer Services that there was a supply disruption which was largely due to a systems issue at distribution centres (now largely resolved).

Due to the large number of reports, Zentiva have prioritised supplying their hydroxychloroquine tablets and the main wholesale suppliers (AAH, Alliance, Phoenix and Testerworld) all have orders that will be fulfilled by around 25th-30th July 2019. Local and hospital pharmacies should be able to place orders with them from around the 25th July 2019. More information and advice is available at lupusuk.org.uk/zentiva-hcq/

[thestorm]

Does this affect, go world wide??? This is quite a bushy thing for many of us here and there. What steps should people take if this is in short supply? Just wondering for all of us. Thank you Paul. peace, blessings thestorm

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to thestorm]

Hi thestorm ,

I'm sorry but as a UK charity I do not have any information or advice about this medication for other countries. If you have concerns about variations or supply of the tablets in your country I would recommend you contact your national lupus group for information and advice.

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Thank you!

[Gizmok9]

Thanks hope that means Boots can get zentiva again think they use Alliance 🤞😊 next script due August

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Gizmok9]

Hopefully they will be able to. Please let me know how you get on.

[Gizmok9]

Will do thanks

[smudge1980]

Hi Paul, I cannot thank you enough for this information. My pharmacist at boots was having a terrible time trying to order the zentiva brand getting told a few different stories as to the hold up. I showed him this information yesterday, he took the product code number and phone number and we're now, finger's crossed, back on track with my supply. When I showed him the info it was like a light went on in his head, he had no idea what the problem was.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to smudge1980]

Hi smudge1980 . I'm so glad that the information was helpful for you and that (fingers crossed) you are now back on track with getting the Zentiva version.

[Makimon]

Hi, just an update from Essex. I’m still unable to obtain Zentiva from my local pharmacies, the pharmacy I work at and even Addenbrookes in Cambridge don’t have it. I’m taking black rock now but I’ve got the same side effects I have with Bristol Labs, not sure what else to do!

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Makimon]

Hi Makimon . You're not the only person in this situation. I've had quite a few emails this week so I will be speaking to Zentiva again today and finding out why there is still a problem.

[Makimon in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks Paul, that’s great 👍

[Hidden]

Why would the Zentiva brand be better than the Quinoric tablets I have taken for about three years or more ?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden . The Zentiva version of the tablets isn't 'better' as such because both of them contain the same amount of the active ingredient. Many (but not all) people with lupus experience side effects from the Quinoric version of the tablets but not the Zentiva ones. This is due to differences in the tablet fillers used in the formulation. For people who experience side effects from the Quinoric version, they find it much better to have the Zentiva version instead.

[Hidden in reply to Paul_Howard]

A puzzle to me is how does one know if , for instance , the miserable weeks , months even . . .of severe morning loose bowels plus occasional few days of nausea par for the course , a lupus "thing" like red rash on face , or has it been a side effect of the medication?

[Fennella02 in reply to Hidden]

That’s something I’ve wondered. How is it possible to tell unless the symptoms are very sudden and very intense? Many of us are sensitive to so many things.

[Hidden in reply to Fennella02]

Another puzzle is knowing if different symptoms are due to a flare rather than another cause.

[Fennella02 in reply to Hidden]

A puzzle for us and our doctors!

[panda2]

Hi Paul,

Please add one more to the list. I'm in the southwest and my pharmacist just rang to say she has ordered Zentiva for me 3 times, but keeps receiving Blackrock in its place. Any update would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to panda2]

Hi panda2 ,

Has your pharmacist spoken with their supplier about the issue? Have they tried contacting Zentiva customer services on 0800 854 431?

Have you tried the Blackrock version before? Many people who are sensitive to the Bristol/Quinoric version find the Blackrock version OK. This isn't everyone though and some people do specifically need the Zentiva version.

[panda2]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for getting back to me. I realised you were heading out on your Australian holiday pretty much exactly when I sent that message... I hope it was wonderful.

I called 10 pharmacies in my city and finally located 2 boxes of Zentiva in the next town -- they're holding the second box for my next order. But I've also decided to do exactly what you suggest and try a Blackrock prescription -- at least intersperse it with Zentiva to stretch it if I have trouble with it.

I had really been struggling with being unwell with Shingles and having to go off my Mycophenolate, then back on it (with side-effects), having my HRT supply dry up at the same time and it was just altogether too much to try to see if I could tolerate Blackrock that time. Will give it a go now.

I've given my pharmacy the sheet you provided about Zentiva, but haven't followed up yet, since I found it elsewhere. Will check on that when I get the Blackrock and update.

Thanks again.

Panda

[madison]

Hi Paul, I wonder if you could help please. I've been to my local pharmacy to collect my prescription for Zentiva to be told it has now been discontinued. Are you able to advise please. Many thanks

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to madison]

Hi Madison,

I can 100% confirm that this information is incorrect. Zentiva have not discontinued the production of their hydroxychloroquine tablets. I am also assured by them that they are not experiencing any manufacturing problems and have stock on the shelf.

I actually heard from someone this morning to say that Boots are able to order Zentiva hydroxychloroquine from their supplier at the moment - perhaps you could try with them?

Alternatively, I would advise you to ask your pharmacist to phone Zentiva Customer Services directly for reliable information and advice on which suppliers are most likely to have stock. Their number is 0844 8793 188.

[madison in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi Paul thank you very much for your reply. Unfortunately the pharmacist was unwilling to take this any further, the gp practice manager on the other hand was willing to help and has managed to get my prescription from boots following your advice. Once again Paul, I really appreciate your help 😊

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to madison]

It is very disappointing that your pharmacist was unwilling to help. I'm really glad your GP is helping though.