DHSC issues medicine supply notification for three tablets

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for three tablets- Meptazinol (Meptid) 200mg film-coated tablets, Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) 2.5mg tablets and Lamotrigine 5mg dispersible tablets on Wednesday (15 February).

Meptid tablets will remain out of stock until late June 2023. DHSC suggested that an alternative analgesic products including non-opioids remain available.

Provera 2.5mg tablets are out of stock until mid-March 2023. “Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) 5mg and 10mg tablets remain available but cannot support an uplift in demand,” said DHSC.

“Norethisterone 5mg tablets remain available and will be able to support an increase in demand.”

Branded lamotrigine (Lamictal) 2mg and 5mg dispersible remain available but are unable to support the increase in demand as Lamotrigine 5mg dispersible tablets are out of stock until late March 2023.

DHSC said, “A number of Specials manufacturers are able to produce unlicensed lamotrigine 25mg/5ml oral suspension (including sugar-free formulations). Where the above options are not suitable, unlicensed supplies of lamotrigine (Lamictal) 5mg dispersible tablets may be sourced, lead times vary.”

“The Lexon, Nova Laboratories, PCCA, Quantum and Rokshaw manufacturers have currently confirmed they can manufacturer lamotrigine 25mg/5ml oral suspension.”

It added: “If there is currently no listing on dm+d for the imported product for prescribers to select using their prescribing systems an EPS prescription for unlicensed lamotrigine 25mg/5ml oral suspension or unlicensed lamotrigine 5mg dispersible/chewable tablets cannot be issued.”