‘I can’t bear thought of a seizure after 23 years, and losing my independence’

Epilepsy patients are being hit by a sudden shortage of vital anti-seizure drugs, reports Hannah Hiles, With Wholesalers having difficulty supplying pharmacies With a specific type of anticonvulsant Medication

PEOPLE with epilepsy could be left without vital medication due to a shortage of antiseizure drugs.

Many pharmacies across the country are struggling to obtain supplies of Tegretol Prolonged Release tablets, which can also be used to treat nerve pain and bipolar disorder, as well as epilepsy.

The 200mg tablets, manufactured by Novartis, are the branded version of the drug carbamazepine, considered a category one epilepsy medication by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency – meaning patients should stay on the same version to lower the risk of seizures and side effects.

People who take carbamazepine but who need to change to a different epilepsy medication to control their seizures would usually be weaned off it gradually while slowly increasing the new drug.

But epilepsy patients across the country – including North Staffordshire – are being hit by supply shortages when they try to collect their medication – and are being told to contact their doctors ‘for an alternative’.

Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK, which means there are around 600,000 people living with the condition.

Only 52 per cent people with epilepsy in the UK are seizure-free, but it is estimated that with the right treatment, 70 per cent could see their seizures completely controlled.

National charity Epilepsy Action has updated its ‘Drugwatch’ webpage to reflect the current shortage of medication. It says: “We’ve had several inquiries recently about supply of Tegretol.

“Novartis have told us they are in stock of all formulations and strengths, but are having some issues with restocking 200mg Tegretol prolonged release and 200mg Tegretol standard release tablets. This may be leading to some wholesalers running out of stock.

“Novartis hope to get this issue resolved by the end of May. If your pharmacy can’t get this medicine from their usual supplier, you can ask them to order direct from Novartis Customer Services on 08457 419 442 or email novartis. customercare@novartis.com.

“If your pharmacy is unwilling to do this, you can ask them to give you back your prescription so you can take it to another pharmacy.”

Epilepsy Action’s published guidance about what to do if you are unable to obtain your

usual medication states: “If your pharmacist doesn’t have your usual version in stock, you can ask for your prescription back and take it to another pharmacy. But if your usual version isn’t available anywhere, you may have no choice but to take a different version.

“If you have any worries about taking a different version, your doctor should be able to give you advice. For most people, it is safer to take a different version of their medicine than to run out and stop taking medicine suddenly.”

Pharmaceutical wholesalers Alliance Healthcare confirmed that some customers may be

experiencing delays in obtaining their medication.

A spokesperson said: “We recognise some customers may be experiencing delays in obtaining Tegretol 200mg Prolonged Release.

“Alliance Healthcare works closely with manufacturers to ensure maximum supply of product to UK patients and will continue to do so until this situation is resolved.”

A spokesperson for manufacturer Novartis UK told The Sentinel: “Novartis UK is aware of concerns relating to stock of Tegretol. We confirm that supply is back in line with demand.

“Outstanding stock issues across

the range – caused by fluctuating demand and short-term delays in manufacturing capabilities – have been addressed through increased manufacturing capacity.

“We have also contacted our wholesalers to ensure they have the stock they need so that supply is now back in line with demand.

“We have notified the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries and the Department of Health and Social Care of the concerns raised.

“Our patients and customers are our priority and we aim to ensure fair and equitable access to our medicines, no matter where they are and what their background.”