The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Difficulty sourcing medicines heightens family’s Brexit fears
Half of disabled son’s vital drugs are made in European Union
A Fife mother fears her Brexit concerns are already becoming reality after difficulties in sourcing her son’s vital medicine.
Last month, Fiona Fisher spoke of her worries that a no-deal Brexit could halt supplies of drugs to her severely disabled son Jonathan.
The 25-year-old from Dunfermline suffers from the genetic disorder Lowe Syndrome and needs 24-hour care.
Three of six medications on which he relies are made in the EU and she said no one could give her guarantees supply would not be affected.
She admits to being panicky as a trip to pick up a repeat prescription revealed a problem this week.
“His repeat prescription was due and my husband Alan went to collect it but the chemist is apparently having difficulty sourcing the Epilim. This is sodium valproate for his epilepsy.”
She is most worried about an antiepilepsy drug, as any change could have a serious impact on Jonathan’s health.
Because of Jonathan’s difficulties, it is administered in sugar-free syrup form.
“The pharmacist offered a sugared one. What can you do but accept it? We cannot say no, even though we are not 100% sure how it will affect him.”
There is no way of knowing how even subtle changes to Jonathan’s medication will impact on him and in the past his parents have made decisions about his healthcare routine. Fiona said: “Now, it’s not our choice – we might have to resort to other medicines.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said: “Sanofi has confirmed there are currently stocks of Epilim Liquid in the UK.
“Should patients have any issues in obtaining their medicines they should contact their pharmacist who can contact Sanofi directly to resolve the issue.”