Medicine shortages -anyway to find pharmacies with stock

[twokcc]

Have to use eyedrops every day -they seem to be working well without any side effects. Now informed by pharmacies that they are out of stock at wholesaler. Tried other local pharmacies and Boots all confirm no stock. Anyone found a way of finding stockis without ringing every pharmacy. The companies who do postal delivery could be a possible solution but they may be exactly same situation. Anyone found a solution (Local pharmacy says shortage of many medicines-note mine are made in France)

[Ed/L152]

Have you tried any hospital pharmacies? They might be receptive to an enquiry if you say there's no stock anywhere. Alternatively speak to your ophthalmologist to see if they can help.

[pavarotti1980]

twokcc said:

Have to use eyedrops every day -they seem to be working well without any side effects. Now informed by pharmacies that they are out of stock at wholesaler. Tried other local pharmacies and Boots all confirm no stock. Anyone found a way of finding stockis without ringing every pharmacy. The companies who do postal delivery could be a possible solution but they may be exactly same situation. Anyone found a solution (Local pharmacy says shortage of many medicines-note mine are made in France)

You would not be able to find out without contacting individual pharmacies.

What drops are they? PM if you like

Ed/L152 said:

Have you tried any hospital pharmacies? They might be receptive to an enquiry if you say there's no stock anywhere. Alternatively speak to your ophthalmologist to see if they can help.

Hospital pharmacies use the same wholesalers as community pharmacies

Edited by pavarotti1980 on Monday 25th September 15:00

[Ed/L152]

Of course they use the same wholesalers, but they might still have stock and OP may not have thought to try.

[twokcc]

pavarotti1980 said:

What drops are they? [

Fixapost -Latanoprost/Timol 50mcg/5mg/ml

Thanks for help

[twokcc]

pavarotti1980 said:

What drops are they? [

Fixapost -Latanoprost/Timol 50mcg/5mg/ml

Thanks for help

[Paul Dishman]

There’s another brand of eye drops with that combination of ingredients called Xalacom

[pavarotti1980]

Ed/L152 said:

Of course they use the same wholesalers, but they might still have stock and OP may not have thought to try.

They may have stock however with it being a commonly prescribed drop in primary care would be a struggle to get a consultant to wrote a Rx

[uknick]

Call the manufacturer/uk distributor. That’s what my partner does, and to my surprise most are pretty helpful.

[pavarotti1980]

twokcc said:

Fixapost -Latanoprost/Timol 50mcg/5mg/ml

Thanks for help

Unless there is a specific reason for that brand I would ask the GP if the generic timolol/latanoprost is suitable or Xalacom brand.

Cant find any issues with either of those 2 preparations but also nothing listed for the Fixapost

[twokcc]

pavarotti1980 said:

Unless there is a specific reason for that brand I would ask the GP if the generic timolol/latanoprost is suitable or Xalacom brand.

Cant find any issues with either of those 2 preparations but also nothing listed for the Fixapost

Doesn't say 'Fixapost on prescription, just tried another chemist about 5 miles away they can get a substitute delivered next day if have prescription. Just checked local pharmacist has prescription (order placed last week) and will print it so can take to any chemist.

Thanks to all posters for help.

[twokcc]

pavarotti1980 said:

Unless there is a specific reason for that brand I would ask the GP if the generic timolol/latanoprost is suitable or Xalacom brand.

Cant find any issues with either of those 2 preparations but also nothing listed for the Fixapost

Doesn't say 'Fixapost on prescription, just tried another chemist about 5 miles away they can get a substitute delivered next day if have prescription. Just checked local pharmacist has prescription (order placed last week) and will print it so can take to any chemist.

Thanks to all posters for help.

[twokcc]

Still not got drops.
Prescription actually says Latanoprost/Timol 50mcg/5mg/ml PRESERVATIVE FREE. 5 mile away pharmacy substitute apparently not a substitute and Xalacom not preservative free. Fixapost not available from there supplier. Rang eye clinic who advised that Xalacom was not suitable. Have given me an alternative 2 dose prescription one to take at night and one in a morning.
Tried nearest l 24 hr pharmacy again none in stock and not available.

Going to try phoning the distributor listed on box
UPdate is out of stock next delivery expected mid October. Will go with alternative in meantime.

Thanks again

Edited by twokcc on Tuesday 26th September 13:36

[Paul Dishman]

Have you got an allergy to BAC?

[twokcc]

No idea what BAC is

[Paul Dishman]

Benzylalkonium Chloride, it’s the preservative used in Xalacom.
No reason to use preservative free eyedrops unless you’re allergic to the preservative, more important to get the Latanoprost & Timolol in to your eye to keep your glaucoma under control

[twokcc]

Paul Dishman said:

Benzylalkonium Chloride, it’s the preservative used in Xalacom.
No reason to use preservative free eyedrops unless you’re allergic to the preservative, more important to get the Latanoprost & Timolol in to your eye to keep your glaucoma under control

Interesting need to check something out would it be ok for me to PM you?

[PugwasHDJ80]

Try one of the online pharmacists- quite like a new one called charac.co.uk as they work with local pharmacists rather than just running a big barn on an industrial estate.

[Paul Dishman]

twokcc said:

Paul Dishman said:

Benzylalkonium Chloride, it’s the preservative used in Xalacom.
No reason to use preservative free eyedrops unless you’re allergic to the preservative, more important to get the Latanoprost & Timolol in to your eye to keep your glaucoma under control

Interesting need to check something out would it be ok for me to PM you?

Please do.

[Steveawm]

Just contacted Thea Pharmaceuticals, who advised that Fixapost should be back in stock mid-October, in case you still need it.