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[Sparrow]

This is becoming an important issue, at the moment. There is a BBC Radio 4 program, tonight at 8pm, on the File on Four program.  It will examine the factors that are causing it.

[CLKD]

   and hopefully that woman from the Menopause Society won't suggest that women should simply change products 

[Sparrow]

I shouldn't think so.  This program is about all drugs, not just HRT.

[CLKD]

 

[Joaniepat]

Thanks, Shadyglade. This topic will also be covered on Radio 4's You and Yours at 12.18 today.

JP x

[Sparrow]

Thanks.

It seems to be a very hot topic.

[CLKD]

Perhaps MPs are beginning to be affected?

[CLKD]

Any news?

[Sparrow]

I have literally just finished listening to it on BBC Sounds and it was pretty shocking.  Both doctors and pharmacist agree that patients are being harmed and even dying  because of the shortages.

The main reason seems to be an ever lengthy supply chain. Speculation within the market. Changes to packages due to preventing fake products. Brexit, and selling to the highest bidder.

On the whole it's a complex problem which is not going to be fixed quickly.

I would recommend that anyone worried should listen to the programme on Sounds.

[squeaker99]

I have been on Perindophril for blood pressure for over 15 years now. Take it daily with no
problems.  Last week picked up my new prescription and it was different manufacturer/different packaging same stuff.   20 minutes after I took my morning tablet I felt really dizzy (I never feel dizzy).  After a few hours was fine.   Next day was fine but took tablet at lunchtime. 20 minutes later felt same dizzy.  Next day took tablet from previous manufacturer and was fine.

Phoned pharmacy and they didn't sound surprised. Said sometimes the ' binding agents' (?) can have an impact although the active ingredient is the same. Offered to change it for a new, more widely used manufacturer as my ' usual' one was out of stock. This one was fine, no problems for 2 days.

So it is scary.I had no idea at all that sometimes a change of manufacturer can effect you.

[Ladybt28]

My husband has had problems when his branded pills have been changed to generic unbranded pills, or different manufacturers of the same stuff.  Doctors think we are making it up that it affects us "because it is exactly the same stuff" - well it isn't when you delve into it and yes a lot of people don't know that those kinds of changes can make you feel quite ill because the GP's peddle the same old line.

The program is right about changing packaging and stuff to stop fakes because there are a lot of fake medicines out there masquerading as the proper stuff and its easy to get it into the supply chain and its happening more and more.  It's just a shame that everyone is doing all the same things at once - makes a problem not helps one.

[CLKD]

Trouble is the internet is so easy 2 buy from 

squeaker - have you filled in a yellow card to complain?

It is often the fillers/covers that cause problems rather than the active ingredient especially if a person is lactose intolerant!

[Pennyfarthing]

Changes to drugs have been happening for many years.  They have been going over to cheaper medications for decades to save money where they can.  Counterfeit drugs have even found their way into the NHS system.

[squeaker99]

Tell me more about the yellow card complaint system CLKD? Never heard of it.

[Hurdity]

There you go squeaks!

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

Hurdity x