Menopause Matters Forum

General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: Sparrow on November 19, 2019, 08:01:08 AM

Title: Drug shortages
Post by: Sparrow on November 19, 2019, 08:01:08 AM

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.

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: CLKD on November 19, 2019, 09:36:53 AM

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

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: Sparrow on November 19, 2019, 09:42:20 AM

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

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: CLKD on November 19, 2019, 09:43:34 AM

 :thankyou:

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: Joaniepat on November 19, 2019, 11:06:36 AM

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

JP x

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: Sparrow on November 19, 2019, 11:09:04 AM

Thanks. :)

It seems to be a very hot topic.

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: CLKD on November 19, 2019, 01:49:34 PM

Perhaps MPs are beginning to be affected?

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: CLKD on November 20, 2019, 08:34:38 AM

Any news?

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: Sparrow on November 20, 2019, 08:59:29 AM

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.

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: squeaker99 on November 20, 2019, 03:15:34 PM

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.

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: Ladybt28 on November 20, 2019, 04:16:15 PM

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.

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: CLKD on November 20, 2019, 04:23:31 PM

Trouble is the internet is so easy 2 buy from  :o

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!

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: Pennyfarthing on November 21, 2019, 09:15:53 PM

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.

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: squeaker99 on November 22, 2019, 02:30:07 PM

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

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: Hurdity on November 22, 2019, 03:31:22 PM

There you go squeaks!

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

Hurdity x

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: Ju Ju on November 22, 2019, 04:45:25 PM

I've been prescribed the generic form of all my meds, mainly for asthma. But apparently they are not allowed to prescribe for a generic form of HRT patches. I can guarantee whichever one is prescribed I can't source anywhere, so every month I have had to go back to the surgery for another script for whatever I can get and hope that they can keep the patches at the pharmacy until the script is issued. I am going back and forth, using fuel, time and getting stressed each month. The surgery is 3 miles away as is the nearest chemist. All set up for this month. Last month, Boots rang up to say they could fulfil a script from August! That saved a lot of stress!

Title: Re: Drug shortages
Post by: squeaker99 on November 23, 2019, 10:50:55 AM

Thanks for the link to the Yellow Card reporting system Hurdity. I have never heard of it.

I have filled it in but must say it was a bit long winded - wanting to know my weight!