Support Alert

Carbagen (carbamazepine) tablet supply issue

Information from the Department of Health and Social Care regarding Carbagen (carbamazepine) tablets supply issue.
Carbagen (Carbamazepine) various preparations
As carbamazepine is considered a Category 1* anti-epileptic medication, patients should normally be maintained on the same brand, however Mylan (the manufacturers of Carbogen) have informed DHSC that the following preparations of Carbagen (carbamazepine) tablet will be unavailable until mid-late 2019.
The affected products are listed below: 

  • Carbagen 200mg and 400mg Immediate Release Tablets – unavailable until mid-2019
  • Carbagen 200mg  and 400mg Modified Release Tablets – unavailable until late 2019

Patients currently prescribed Carbagen tablets by brand will therefore need to be switched to an alternative brand of carbamazepine tablets during this time.

Novartis, the manufacturer of Tegretol which is the alternative brand of carbamazepine tablets have confirmed that they are able to support additional demand during this time for all affected strengths and formulations.

DHSC have worked with NHSE, NHSI and UK Medicines Information to develop a clinical memo, which has been produced to support clinicians in prioritising and switching patients during this period. 

Clinicians and pharmacists should identify potentially affected patients as soon as possible and ensure they are managed appropriately.

*There are clear indications that clinically relevant differences between different manufacturers’ products might occur, even when the pharmaceutical forms are the same and bioequivalence has been shown.
 

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