Medication alert: Sinemet supply issue September 2018

Article originally published on 6 September 2018 by Parkinson's UK here

Parkinson’s UK has reported that it has been made aware by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited (MSD) that there is currently a supply issue with some of their Sinemet products in the UK and other countries.Current manufacturing capacity constraints mean that the following Sinemet products are expected to have intermittent supply as of August 2018:

• Sinemet 12.5/50mg 9x10 tablets
• Sinemet 25/250mg 10x10 tablets
• Sinemet plus 25/100mg 10x10 tablets

This is a constantly changing situation, however MSD expects that the most commonly used Sinemet 12.5/50mg 9x10 tablets may have supply issues from August until mid-September. Sinemet 25/250mg 10x10 tablets will be unavailable from end of September and will continue to have supply issues until the first quarter of next year. Sinemet plus 25/100mg 10x10 tablets will be unavailable from end of October and will continue to have supply issues until the first quarter of next year.The following products are currently unaffected:

• Sinemet (half) cr 25/100mg 6x10 tablets
• Sinemet 10/100mg 10x10 tablets
• Sinemet cr 50/200mg 6x10 tablets

MSD has alerted the Department of Health, as well as pharmacy wholesalers, and is working to cascade this information through relevant channels. In a statement the manufacturer has said:

“MSD is committed to ensuring the continuity of supply of our medicines and vaccines – however delays in manufacture and production that we cannot always foresee can unexpectedly happen. Please be reassured that we are doing all that we reasonably can to ensure that normal supply is resumed as soon as possible and are working closely with key stakeholders including Parkinson’s UK, and other professional bodies and agencies to keep them updated. We recognise the impact this will have on Parkinson’s patients, their carers’ and the wider medical community and we regret that this situation has arisen.”

Parkinson’s UK’s statement for patients:

If you are currently taking Sinemet, there is a chance that your pharmacist will be unable to give you your prescription. There are generic versions of co-careldopa, the active ingredient in Sinemet, available in a range of strengths. Your GP or pharmacist will discuss these with you and should be able to offer you a suitable alternative. This is a constantly changing situation and MSD is making efforts to resolve the issue. Parkinson’s UK will update you immediately if any change happens.If you have any questions or concerns regarding your medication or if you are unable to obtain Sinemet products, you can discuss this with your GP, pharmacist, consultant or Parkinson’s nurse. You can also contact our helpline on 0808 800 0303.Check for updates from MSD on the availability of Sinemet in the UK.