orlistat, manufacturer shortage...

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Just picked up my prescription this morning to find a note attached saying
Make pt aware she might need to try a few chemists for Orlistat because there is a manufactures problem but no alternatives...
I tried my 2 nearest chemist and they done have any I’m going to give asda and tescos chemist a call shortly if I can find there number on the net and see if they have any.
I am worrying a little bit I’ve already been without for 3 days due to not organizing my appointments properly with the nurse :(
Is anyone els having this problem??
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Replies

  • Malaika946
    Malaika946 Posts: 107 Member
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    I just picked up my presription today and two of the pharmacies I have been to have none. Will be going into town tomorrow hopefully I will get some. Am worried now.
  • kimberley_1
    kimberley_1 Posts: 92 Member
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    Yeah I am very worried I’m not ready to stop taking them I didn’t prepare myself to stop or anything :(
    I found this link
    http://pr.cannazine.co.uk/201202151600/green/eco-news/generic-pharmacy-offers-solution-to-global-xenical-shortage.html

    It dosnt sound to great
  • kimberley_1
    kimberley_1 Posts: 92 Member
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    I phoned a lot of pharmacies near me and one said there back in on the 19th of March and another said the back on of March
    Hope we are still eating healthy, I have for the most part I was a bit bad last night but I will work it of today
    X
  • AJ_Cliff
    AJ_Cliff Posts: 2 Member
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    Has anyone got their presciption back yet?! i've been waiting nearly a month with no alternative :( x
  • kimberley_1
    kimberley_1 Posts: 92 Member
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    I rang lots of places and some were saying there in on the 19th but I rag them back and they still haven’t git them and they think it will be another month yet :/
    I’ve not been on them since 02/26/12

    I’m seeing the nurse on monday I’m going to see if she will let me get alli and take double while I’m waiting or something
    X
  • amyllu
    amyllu Posts: 432 Member
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    Very annoying this ... was given a prescription a couple of weeks ago but chemist said ..maybe beginning of next month ..and then shrugged his shoulders!! Fact is they really don't know when they are likely to be in stock again.
    Bought the Alli altho' they are half the strength but I am desperately trying to get my weight to shift again. Cost me £54.99 for 100..Yikes! Taking 2 but only at lunch and evening meal.That amounts to £13.75 per day...:grumble:
  • kimberley_1
    kimberley_1 Posts: 92 Member
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    That’s a expensive day Amy :O I’m giving up hope it feels like they might never come back, I just wish I got told about this to proper myself to stop. My year is up in June as well :/

    I can’t afford to buy alli but I was considering it and a few chemists were trying to sell me it as well.

    I just kept thinking they might be in next week but that’s not the case. I’ve still got my prescription I think they last up to 6 months I hoe there back in before then :O
  • amyllu
    amyllu Posts: 432 Member
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    Had to pick up a script for some other meds so enquired again about Orlistat..no go!
    Was going to buy another lot of Alli but they only hve the chewable ones now.
    Went to three other chemists and did manage to get some more Alli capsules but it was the last one and just 84 in bottle ..£49.95!
    Spent ages online last night trying to track some down but again only the chewable ones available.

    SO annoying isn't it?
  • dawnyre
    dawnyre Posts: 1
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    I rang around all my local chemists today, and there was none in stock. I have been advised to ask the doc to prescribe me Alli instead and take the double dose (if doc advises that). Could you not got it on prescription?
  • amyllu
    amyllu Posts: 432 Member
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    I rang around all my local chemists today, and there was none in stock. I have been advised to ask the doc to prescribe me Alli instead and take the double dose (if doc advises that). Could you not got it on prescription?

    Good idea Dawn but no Alli either anywhere!!
  • kimberley_1
    kimberley_1 Posts: 92 Member
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    I got told that as well but Alli isn’t on the NHS it’s a separate company but I didn’t no they have a shortage now as well :/ they want to hurry up and sort it out.
  • cjkerr125
    cjkerr125 Posts: 6 Member
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    Hi don't know if anyone is following this group now but I contacted Roche and this is the email reply i got:

    Thank you for your enquiry regarding the supply of Xenical (orlistat).

    I can confirm that there is currently a supply issue. Due to on-going manufacturing issues Roche remains out of stock of Xenical 120mg capsules worldwide. Following a recent meeting with the European Medicines Agency, further investigations are required and therefore the next update is not expected until the end of May. Roche cannot however guarantee that supply of Xenical will be resumed at this time. We apologise for this and are making every effort to resolve the situation and make supplies available as quickly as possible.

    There are alternative orlistat preparations in the UK, including a generic product, and you should discuss this further with your prescriber. Should they require any further information they can contact Roche Medical Information on 0800 328 1629.

    Please be aware that the information that you have provided in relation to this enquiry will be held on our secure database in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 for a period deemed necessary by Roche. If you would prefer us not to hold your details then please let us know.

    Yours sincerely

    Jane Raine MRPharmS FPIPA
    Medical Information Specialist

    Roche Products Ltd
    6 Falcon Way, Shire Park
    Welwyn Garden City
    AL7 1TW
  • cjkerr125
    cjkerr125 Posts: 6 Member
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    I am however baffled by what this alternative is as even my gp doesn't know.
    I have complained and told them exactly what I think. The fact that government etc goes on about obesity etc and then this happens.
    There is no help whatsoever.
    All i can advise to everyone is just keep eating the same calories and fat and you will lose it slowly but surely.
    I hope it all works out for everyone (myself included lol)
    Good luck and lets keep posting see how we are all doing and help each other out the best we can x