1. < Epilepsy & Seizures

Drug Shortage

Posted by lsittll @lsittll, Sep 13, 2023

There is a drug shortage in the US. My pharmacy says it orders Depakote 500mgER tablets daily and they do not get the pills from their drug distributor. This has been for months. It is giving me two 250 MgER tablets to substitute for one pill. The Other two pharmacies in the area cannot get the brand name Depakote in stock. They order it but do not get it. I have seizures with the generic.

I asked a pharmacist what was causing this shortage. She says that whoever is manufacturing the pills is not making enough of them. That means Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Depakote 500mgER is not making enough tablets to be distributed to all those needed. They want our money but they will not make enough pills. How long is this going to last? Why is it suddenly occurring?

I don't know what I would do if I had to change my medication regimen. I have been seizure-free on this current dosage.

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Chris Gautier OR Santosha | @santosha | Sep 13, 2023

Hi @lsittll
I am very sorry to hear that and can imagine how anxious this leaves you, something that can even trigger seizures.
As you know, I am not in the US. But in case this happens to me here in Brazil, I would first get in contact with Abbott, explain them my situation and ask for some help. I would also talk to my doctor asking him for his support. In case this would not bring good results, I would make a public complaint. Here in Brazil we have a site where consumers can post complaints about products, services and companies. Usually, it works pretty well, getting replies from the companies. When this does not work, I go consumer protection agency from the government. I am sure you also have those means in your country.
I hope this helps you a bit in this situation.
My best wishes!
Chris (Santosha)

REPLY
1 reply
lsittll | @lsittll | Sep 13, 2023
In reply to @santosha "Hi @lsittll I am very sorry to hear that and can imagine how anxious this leaves..." + (show)
@santosha

Hi @lsittll
I am very sorry to hear that and can imagine how anxious this leaves you, something that can even trigger seizures.
As you know, I am not in the US. But in case this happens to me here in Brazil, I would first get in contact with Abbott, explain them my situation and ask for some help. I would also talk to my doctor asking him for his support. In case this would not bring good results, I would make a public complaint. Here in Brazil we have a site where consumers can post complaints about products, services and companies. Usually, it works pretty well, getting replies from the companies. When this does not work, I go consumer protection agency from the government. I am sure you also have those means in your country.
I hope this helps you a bit in this situation.
My best wishes!
Chris (Santosha)

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lsittll | @lsittll | Sep 13, 2023

Dear Chris:

Thank you for the information you provided in your response to my post. I am rather upset about the matter because the medication is essential. Being seizure-free is important! I see my neurologist tomorrow so I can discuss the matter with him.

My best wishes and have a good day!

Laurie

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Chris Gautier OR Santosha | @santosha | Sep 14, 2023

Hi Laurie (@lsittll)
Great to know that you will see your neurologist tomorrow. He or she might be able to help you, so do I hope.
Give me your news after that.
Have a nice evening
Chris (Santosha)

REPLY
lsittll | @lsittll | Sep 14, 2023

My neurologist (new) because my old one went out of network with my insurance, really said nothing. He just asked if I would be willing to continue with two 250ER tablets twice a day. A different drug company manufactures 250 mg ER. I said I would be willing to try 500DR tablets. It is just that the neurologist who prescribed the 500 mg Depakote felt more comfortable with me taking ER tablets.

Two 250mg tablets are quite expensive. It is because of Abbott laboratories that Cigna is paying extra money. I should tell it about the matter. It is more likely something would be done then.

Have a good day!

Laurie

REPLY
ryansmom | @ryansmom | May 30 9:04am

Like others I've seen online, my son can only take brand Depakote ER 500 mgs due to breakthrough seizures with generic, and the brand 250mgs haven't helped. I contacted Abbvie directly last year - July, 2023 to be exact, and again last month, April, 2024, see my conversation below. Odd thing is, I can't find anything online addressing the Depakote ER 500 mg shortage, even after reporting it to the FDA. What the heck is the problem?? So (expletive) frustrating - this is a life or death medication for souls with seizures. C'mon people contact Abbvie and complain!! Pretty sure if the shortage was for erectile dysfunction medication the problem would have resolved long ago.

Customer Service Distribution Team
Fri, Apr 12, 12:01 PM
to me, AbbVie
Hello,
Abbvie is still experiencing a manufacturing delay with Depakote ER 500mg, and it is causing a supply disruption to pharmacies and wholesalers. This issue is expected to be resolved sometime in the late 2nd quarter this year; there is no definitive date yet. However, the Depakote 250mg is available. Please reach out to your medical provider regarding this option.
We apologize for the inconvenience! Thank you.
AbbVie
Original Message Follows: ------------------------
Please advise if you have an approximate timeline as to when the Depakote ER 500 mg's will be available again, as your previous response states "Depakote ER 500mg will be unavailable until late 2023". It is now mid-April, 2024, and still none in the Tampa, Florida, USA, area.
Thank you.
---------
On Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 9:43 AM AbbVie Customer Service wrote:
Hello,
Depakote ER 500mg will be unavailable until late 2023; however, Depakote ER 250mg is and will continue to be available for our patients.
Sincerely,
AbbVie

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