Drew asked
I was wondering how I could receive the medication thioridazine. There seems to be a shortage at my local pharmacies.
Answer
Medication shortages often put patients in a difficult situation. If your pharmacy has informed you that they cannot acquire your medication, there are a few things you should do:
- Discuss the situation with your pharmacist
- Contact the drug manufacturer directly
- Discuss with your doctor other therapy options
Talk To Your Pharmacist
First and foremost, discuss the situation with your pharmacist. Questions to ask include:
- What exactly is causing the shortage problem?
- Is there an anticipated release date for the drug?
- Are they able to source from alternative wholesalers?
- Can they access inventory levels for other pharmacies in their chain?
- Are they able to call other pharmacies for you?
- Are other other strengths of your drug available?
Just because your usual pharmacy doesnt have the drug in stock, it may be in stock at other locations. Oftentimes, pharmacies within the same chain (e.g. Walgreens) can access inventory levels at other stores. In addition, be sure to call around to other pharmaies outside your ususal chain to check for availability.
Your pharmacist can also let you know if other strengths of your drug is available. They may be able to contact the doctor and substitute another strength for you until your usual medication is back in stock.
Contact The Drug Manufacturer
Sometimes a drug manufacturer may be able to direct you to where you may be able to get a short term supply of the drug while you figure out your alternatives.
According to the FDA drug shortage database, thioridazine has been experiencing a drug shortage since 2/18, but it is slowly becoming available. The manufacturer of the drug (Mylan in this case) may be able to direct you to where there may be availability.
Talk With Your Doctor
If you still cannot find thioridazine, talk to your doctor about potential therapy alternatives. There are a variety of drugs that could potentially be substituted in the short term for you.
