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Letters to the Editor
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Supply chain
Replies from
NICK QUIN, head of ethical buying at UniChem
PAUL SMITH, chief executive at Phoenix Healthcare
Distribution Ltd
AMIT MAKWANA, managing director at Astellas Pharma
Ltd
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Problem obtaining Prograf capsules
From Mr R. H. Ferguson, MRPharmS
For some time now the availability of Prograf 1mg capsules from two
of the UK’s main wholesalers (Phoenix and UniChem) has been sporadic.
As a consequence, this means the service I provide to my patients has
been adversely affected.
When I telephoned the manufacturer, Astellas Pharma Ltd, to find out
why, it was explained that it had supplied enough product to wholesalers
to meet the needs of patients in the UK and that wholesalers should have
them in stock. I was told, however, I could order it direct from Astellas
and it would be delivered via my normal wholesaler. I have had to resort
to this process, but it simply is not good enough, since it means I receive
the order a day or so later than I normally would, which inconveniences
my patients.
In this case, it looks like community pharmacists and their patients
are caught in the middle of some sort of struggle between manufacturers
and wholesalers. And while this is fought-out (or ignored) behind the
scenes, it is patients that suffer.
The current supply network is already experiencing a period of upheaval
which threatens to disrupt supply and create confusion as one struggles
to remember which wholesaler is dealing with which products, so this
additional hassle is unhelpful.
What I would like to know from the wholesalers and Astellas is what is
the cause of this problem and when will it be resolved?
Ross Ferguson
Glasgow
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NICK QUIN, head of ethical buying at UniChem, responds:
UniChem
is aware of this issue in relation to Prograf 1mg capsules and endeavours
to work closely with Astellas Pharma Ltd to ensure that future continuity
of supply for this medicine can be assured. We are happy to discuss
this matter direct with Mr Ferguson, should he require further assistance.
PAUL SMITH, chief executive at Phoenix Healthcare Distribution Ltd,
responds:
Following further investigation we find yet again that the
issue is down to manufacturers limiting supply of product to wholesalers.
In effect, Astellas Pharma Ltd limits our supply therefore we cannot
fill our customers’ orders in a timely fashion. Astellas Pharma
Ltd uses historical sales data to limit the supply chain but this is
not carried out with any formula that takes into account the changing
sales or growth through acquisition.
We are sorry that Mr Ferguson is experiencing difficulty in getting
hold of this product and are concerned that this is inconveniencing
both him and his
patients. We share his frustration; this is not how the supply chain should
work. We implore Astellas Pharma Ltd to review its current supply arrangements
and make sufficient product available to allow us to do our job in ensuring
that patients get timely access to medicines they need.
AMIT MAKWANA, managing director at Astellas Pharma
Ltd, responds:
It has been brought to our attention that some patients
have experienced
difficulties accessing supplies of Prograf from their local pharmacies.
Astellas Pharma Ltd takes complaints regarding the supply of its medicines
seriously and has responded with urgency. The timely supply of all
medicinal products is critical but this is particularly vital in the
case of transplant
medicines.
Given the fact that Prograf is prescribed for serious conditions where
disruption of supply can have clinically important implications for
the health and well
being of patients, we have created a hotline for any pharmacist who is experiencing
a supply difficulty, which will ensure they can receive Prograf direct from
Astellas Pharma Ltd.
Clearly this is only an interim measure and we are currently urgently reviewing
how to best ensure these transplantation medicines reach patients without
delays.
We are committed to ensuring the essential continuity of the supply of these
medicines to patients. If pharmacists have any issues related to the ordering
of Prograf they should contact Astellas Pharma Ltd on 01784 419615 and ask
for customer services. |
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The
Pharmaceutical Journal