Problems obtaining Ibandronic Acid

I was so concerned with the fact that so many people have issues getting hold of Brondonat when their prescriptions run out, that I contacted my MP and what I have found out has shocked me.

Like others, I was told by my pharmacist that she was unable to get hold of it because supplies were low due to a manufacturing issue. This was information she had been given by the supplier, which I think is Unilever. When my MP contacted Roche who manufacture the drug he was told this is not true and supplies are plentiful. Although they are not allowed to supply more than three boxes per prescription, this is as much as most doctors would prescribe anyway and Roche can fill those prescriptions direct to your pharmacist, within a day or two. When I told the chemist this she was happy to contact them directly and my drugs will be couriered to her by tomorrow. No problem and no need to take a bondronat holiday. This is shocking because I know of people who have had to take a break from the drug because they have believed what they have been told, which is there is no way it can be obtained before their current prescription runs out.

If this happens to you and you get told that your pharmacist can’t get hold of the drug, tell them to contact Roche directly. There is no manufacturing problem with this drug and it is easily obtainable.

I’m still pretty angry about the fact that I could have been without life saving drugs because of something which appears to be a political issue and somehow feel they shouldn’t get away with it. I’d love to hear from anyone else in a similar situation and to know that I am not the only one who finds this shocking.

Sharon

Hi Sharon

Yes, that was my experience as well, but at least my pharmacist already knew that he had to order my Bondronat directly from Roche, as there is some kind of European licensing problem (?) which he didn’t go into with me. It only took a day or two for my tablets to arrive, so I haven’t had to have a break.

My onc did take me off Bondronat for a few weeks last year, after I had some dodgy blood test results (kidney problems), but reassured me that it says in our bones for years, so not really a problem if we miss a couple of days. Went back on the Bondronat when bloods improved – have been on it for over seven years, with no side effects and only good work at keeping my extensive bone mets stable.

Marilyn x

Hi
My problem having just been prescribed this is that my PCT does not fund it as an oral treatment and I will have to have it IV evry 3 weeks. Anyone ele found this?
Louise