05 June 2024
Novartis have updated us on the supply of Tegretol (carbamazepine) 100mg/5ml liquid. Novartis have told us that some stock is now available.
They advised that it may take some time for supply to return to normal levels.
If this supply problem affects you or someone you care for, do speak to your doctor as soon as possible for further advice. You can call 111 if you need immediate advice. Our website has further information about switching between different versions of your epilepsy medicine.
24 May 2024
We contacted Novartis for an update on the supply of Tegretol (carbamazepine) 100mg/5ml liquid. Novartis have told us that the medicine should be returning to stock by the end of May 2024.
They advised that it may take longer to return to normal due to the demand. It can also take time for stock to go out to wholesalers and then to pharmacies, even weeks in some cases.
We also contacted the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on this issue. They advised that specials manufacturers are able to manufacture unlicensed carbamazepine 100mg/5ml oral suspension. Your doctor may be able to work with your pharmacy to prescribe these as an alternative, if appropriate.
If this supply problem affects you or someone you care for, do speak to your doctor as soon as possible for further advice. You can call 111 if you need immediate advice. Our website has further information about switching between different versions of your epilepsy medicine.
29 April 2024
Novartis have told us that they expect Tegretol 100mg/5ml liquid to be out of stock at the end of April for around a month.
Novartis have said that all other strengths of standard and prolonged release tablets are being supplied to wholesalers as normal.
It can take time for stock to go out to wholesalers and then to pharmacies, even weeks in some cases.
If you’re not able to get supply of your medicine you can:
- Ask other pharmacies to see if they have supply or are able to quickly get supply.
- Speak to your doctor for further advice or call 111 if you need immediate advice.
- You can also read our information about switching between different versions of your epilepsy medicine.
26 April 2024
Epilepsy Action are aware that Tegretol 100mg standard release tablets were out of stock from early to mid-April 2024.
Tegretol 200mg tablets remain available and can support a partial increase in demand.
While stock should be returning, it can take time for stock to go out to wholesalers and then to pharmacies, even weeks in some cases.
Novartis had previously confirmed that Tegretol prolonged release tablets are in stock.
If you’re not able to get supply of your medicine you can:
- Ask other pharmacies to see if they have supply or are able to quickly get supply.
- Speak to your doctor for further advice or call 111 if you need immediate advice.
- You can also read our information about switching between different versions of your epilepsy medicine.
27 March 2024
We have heard of further reports of people struggling to get supply of their Tegretol prescription. We asked Novartis, the manufacturer of Tegretol, to provide a further update.
Novartis have told us this week that all strengths of Tegretol standard and prolonged release is in stock and wholesalers are receiving regular weekly supplies.
It can take time for stock to go out to wholesalers and then to pharmacies, even weeks in some cases.
If you’re not able to get supply of your medicine you can:
- Ask other pharmacies to see if they have supply or are able to quickly get supply.
- Speak to your doctor for further advice or call 111 if you need immediate advice.
- You can also read our information about switching between different versions of your epilepsy medicine.