I have a linked prescription process set up between my GP surgery and the local pharmacy (was Lloyds at Sainsbury but they've pulled out). I was told today by the small High Street pharmacy (who are suddenly taking the load from the Sainsbury's in-house Lloyds) that stocks of Letrozole have run out and nothing expected for about "a month and a half". Obviously, I've contacted my GP surgery and also emailed Royal Marsden in Sutton as I'm extremely worried.
All the research, all the (expensive) chemotherapy and radiotherapy, care and attention (and yes, some degree suffering under chemo...) is finally to be put at risk? I have been so proud and grateful for the treatment I have received and have put up with the side-effects of Letrozole (which we all know about) in an effort to prevent a recurrence.
I use rowlands pharmacy now and picked up my repeat a few weeks ago. Thanks for posting the article on the stock shortages, may be worth trying a rowlands pharmacy. Very concerning, not sure I understand the reason for the supply issue.
Could you ask for a paper prescription from your surgery and try some different pharmacies? Is possible they have stock and/or use different suppliers. If you need a particular brand then ask before they fill the prescription though.
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Stephen Hawking,
I think this is an absolute scandal. I have contacted my local MP and I suggest that everyone does the same if we do we may get some attention from the drug companies. I contacted the manufacturers of the Accord brand - you can find the address either on the pack or on the patient information leaflet. I emailed initially and received a reply that it was out of stock. I emailed back advising that I had referred to my MP and received a response that the drug was back in stock within a week!
Not all pharmacies supply all the Letrozole brands , so if you want a specific brand, contact your local GP surgery and ask them to specify the brand you need in capitals in front of the drug name eg ACCORD Letrozole xxmg
If you have a repeat prescription arrangement with your GP (is he sends presciption directly to your local pharmacy) check that the pharmacy stocks or will order the brand you need. (I have found that some chains don't). If they don't then ask for a separate paper prescription for the brand you need and find a local pharmacy that does. BOOTS are great, and some of the independent pharmacies. Others (WELL chain in my experience) are not helpful.
Also try explaining to your GP and asking for maybe a couple of months at a time so you don't have this performance every month.
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LOCAL MP. It is disgusting that we have tio fight for a life saving drug when there is no explanation for the shortage. there was a short mention of it on BBC NorthWest a couple of weeks ago, but no follow up. Let's make some noise and get this sorted out.
Well said. What is really bad is that the GPs continue to prescribe.ALSO the pharmacies get £2ish per prescription from the NHS when it costs £4 plus. Big Pharma at it again. Holding us to ransom. It has been around for years they can't STILL be recouping the research initial costs.... MP is a good idea
I’ve emailed my MP, I’m not sure it will help (chocolate teapot comes to mind) but anything is worth a go, and although I’m not on this drug any longer I think it’s appalling there should be this problem.
Glad to report that I did get a paper prescription from my surgery and did find a small local pharmacy with some stocks. I missed 1 day only, which I guess isn't too troubling. But it was a shock to find a crack in a system which has been pretty reliable all my life (I'm 71). I too will email my MP. As I said in my original post - I am aware of the high cost of my original treatment (chemotherapy in particular) and am both grateful and proud that this was able to be provided by the NHS. For this (not to mention my own life) to be put at risk because "Big Pharma" seems to be playing up is abhorrent.
) so should be in any branch hopefully.
