Epanutin (Phenytoin) Infatabs 50 Mg still out of stock
We have been advised by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer that due to manufacturing delays, Epanutin (phenytoin) Infatabs 50mg are still out of stock.
To ensure that there is a continuous supply of phenytoin for those who take the medication, Pfizer is importing a generic form of Epanutin from Canada - Dilantin Infatabs to replace Epanutin Infatabs during the shortage.
This will be available through until mid-2020 to ensure that those who rely on this important medication are still able to access it.
Consistent supply of medicine
Under guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, it is important that anyone who is taking phenytoin has a consistent supply of the medication and ideally should not be switched to a different version of the same drug.
There will be differences in the packaging of the Canadian tablets, and while Epanutin Infatabs are yellow in colour, Dilantin are white.
Pfizer has advised us that the active ingredients of the tablets are the same. However there could still be clinically relevant differences between the two products. This means that those prescribed the Canadian version, will need to be monitored by their doctor to check that the concentration of the drug in their blood is at the correct level.
What you should do if you are taking Epanutin Infatabs
If you are currently taking Epanutin Infatabs 50mg, you should make an appointment with your specialist doctor. Any changes in your treatment due to the shortage should be managed by a specialist rather than a GP.
You should discuss your treatment plan with your specialist and if you need to switch to a different version of the drug, your serum levels should be properly monitored on a regular basis to make sure you have the correct amount of the drug in your blood.
More information
We will continue to bring you updates on Epanutin via our website and through Facebook and Twitter.
Call our Helpline
If you are taking Epanutin Infatabs 50mg and are feeling anxious about this change, please call our Helpline on 01494 601400 (Mon and Tues 9am-4pm and Wed 9am-7.30pm).
Or you can call Pfizer's Customer Contact Centre for queries about product availability, call 0845 608 8866.