Merck reports actual and anticipated drug shortage and discontinuation of certain formulations

Posted:
UPDATED April 3, 2019

Parkinson Canada is aware of the current status of actual and anticipated Sinemet® shortages and the discontinuation of Sinemet® CR.

Merck Canada informed Drug Shortages Canada with new information on April 3, 2019, of supply constraints related to all Sinemet® products available in Canada and the discontinuation of Sinemet CR®. Visit www.drugshortagescanada.ca for the current status.

Parkinson Canada is continuing a dialogue with Health Canada and the drug manufacturer (Merck) to try and find options to mitigate the impact of the drug shortages; unfortunately, there are very limited options to influence this situation.

What should you do?
  • Step 1: Check your prescription. Most people on Carbidopa-Levodopa are on a generic form and not a branded product Sinemet® product so this shortage may not affect you.
  • Step 2: If you are taking a Sinemet® product, visit www.drugshortagescanada.ca to see if your formulation is in actual or anticipated shortage, or is listed in the discontinuation reports (CR formulation). Contact your pharmacist to inquire.
  • Step 3: If your formulation of Sinemet® is in actual or anticipated shortage or if you are taking Sinemet CR®, which is now discontinued in Canada and the U.S. contact your prescriber to discuss your treatment options. Your neurologist/prescriber is the most appropriate individual to help you manage your drug regimen.

Remember, if you have any questions about living well with Parkinson’s, contact our Information and Referral team at info@parkinson.ca or call 1 (800) 565-3000.