News about medicines

HRT

Supplies of Hormone Replacement Therapy have been erratic for over a year and remain a problem. The British Menopause Society have a useful update on their website summarising the position in May including the current promises being made by makers.

Ranitidine

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Ranitidine (all formulations) . 

• Ranitidine film-coated tablets, effervescent tablets and oral solution continue to remain unavailable with no date for resupply.
• All formulations of Ranitidine are affected due to on-going regulatory investigations into the presence of the carcinogenic contaminant, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), in samples of Ranitidine active substance
• Clinical advice on alternatives of Ranitidine preparations for adults and children has been sent to your GP.

An alternative within this class of medicine Famotidine is now available. Speak to your GP if you feel you require this medicine.

This is a national and global problem with no end in sight.