Has anyone had problems with getting Sinemet plus 25/100mg MSD ? as I have had sideffects with Generic . My local pharmacy was unable to obtain any produced by Merck Sharpe Dohme (MSD) last week, of course there are plenty of the generic of which in the past i had sideffects . Fortunately I only need these for night time as during day I’m on Duodopa , but I am running out … My area is Forest of Dean Gloucestershire.
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Hi yeah for a while mine went back to oval shape, but now back to round 125mg which I tolarate a lot better, as for the generic I’m up and down with dyskinesia so fingers crossed all ok now. I would say tho I have in past put two 62.5mg oval ones together to make 125mg some reason ok on these .cheers
Hi Aurora,
We’re currently tracking issues around availability of Sinemet. We are aware that generics are available but understand some people may find they respond a bit differently to different versions. If you have any concerns, discuss these with your GP, Consultant or Parkinson’s nurse. You can also contact our helpline on 0808 800 0303 and speak to a helpline nurse.
Best wishes,
Tom
Hi Aurora,
Just to follow up on this, we have posted more information about the shortage of Sinemet on our website here: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/manufacturing-capacity-causes-shortage-sinemet
From the website:
"Parkinson’s UK 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.
MSD has informed us that this has been caused by current manufacturing capacity constraints, and that the following Sinemet products are expected to sometimes be unavailable:
Sinemet 12.5/50mg 9x10 tablets
Sinemet 25/250mg 10x10 tablets
Sinemet plus 25/100mg 10x10 tablets
MSD expects that the most commonly used Sinemet 12.5/50mg 9x10 tablets will have supply issues from now until Mid-September. We are aware that there is currently a delivery of Sinemet on the way into the country, hopefully due to be available next week.
Sinemet 25/250mg 10x10 tablets will sometimes 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 sometimes be unavailable from end of October and will continue to have supply issues until the first quarter of next year.
We are aware this is a constantly changing situation and MSD are making every effort to resolve the issue. We will update you immediately if any change happens.
WILL THIS AFFECT ME?
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.
A statement from MSD says: “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.”
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, Consultant, Pharmacist 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."
If you have any questions at all about any of this or you can’t speak to a specialist/GP/nurse then please give us a call on 0808 800 0303.
Best wishes,
Tom
My Pharmacy seems to be unable to get 12.5/50 Sinemet at the moment. I was interested to note that you get a better response from two 62.5 ovals rather than the 125g as that is what I have found so nice to know it is not just me!
I am hoping there will be some supplies arriving soon.
It’s crazy but just little thinks make a difference, Also I don’t get on with generic sinemet. All the best gus