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    Hypoparathyroidism

     

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Shortages of One Alpha

20th September 2022

Following reports from members of difficulty accessing One Alpha (Alfacalcidol) medication we have circulated the following information regarding temporary shortages due to problems with manufacturing supply. We can’t say exactly when these will be resolved but we can tell you what is currently available.

Available stock

One Alpha is the name brand Alfacalcidol. Leo Pharma no longer holds the licence for One Alpha. This is now held by Neon Healthcare for UK and Northern Ireland and CheplaPharma for Republic of Ireland.  There are currently no stock issues affecting One Alpha in Ireland.

In the UK and Northern Ireland only the 0.25mcg doses are currently in stock and available for our use but the 0.50mcgs are expected to in a month or so. The 1mcg dose is restricted to hospital use now. Drops are available.

Neon Healthcare say : ‘’Alliance and Phoenix are the distributors that can order from us. Pharmacies can order from them. If the Pharmacy is out of stock then absolutely patients need to be asking the pharmacies to place orders. If the distributors are out of stock then the pharmacies can request they place an order, although if we are in stock so should our distributors be.’’

This table shows current availability:

One-Alpha Capsules    0.25 mcg           Stock
One-Alpha Capsules    0.5 mcg             Out of Stock
One-Alpha Capsules    1 mcg                Restricted to Hospital only order
One-Alpha injection    2 mcg/ml             Stock
One-Alpha injection    2 mcg/0.5ml        Stock
One-Alpha Oral Drops 2 mcg/ml            Stock

There are generic forms of Alfacalcidol available but be aware that while some people are absolutely fine on generic versions others may find that these drugs do not always provide adequate support leading to hospital admissions.

Practical advice

If One Alpha capsules cannot be obtained then One Alpha Oral Drops may be used instead. These work as well in adults as in children

  • If One Alpha is not available then Rocaltrol (calcitriol) may be prescribed by your endocrinologist. Protocol for transitioning to follow. Regular testing required until stable.
  • All patients should have an emergency supply of calcium tablets.
  • Order a medical alert card from our website ( surgical or non-surgical cards available) https://parathyroiduk.org/resources/shop/

 
What are we doing about this?

We have flagged this problem up to our medical advisors who have responded with great speed and concern. Together we are drawing up a strategic plan and have taken this to the highest levels, the NHS executive, the Department of Health and the media,  to ensure our needs are recognised and access to our essential medications is prioritised.

How can you help?

First, make sure you can access your medication and keep safe.

Then we ask you to

  • Write to your MP. Alert them to the drug shortage situation in your locality, that access to drugs for people with rare conditions like hypoparathyroidism is now well recognised and that we need these drugs to keep us alive. Mention that you are a member of Parathyroid UK with the URL www.parathyroiduk.org. You can find your MP here https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/.Please let us know (or forward) their response by email to lisaburke@parathyroiduk.org
  • Keep us informed and report any problems to us. This will help us monitor the situation across the UK and Ireland and pass on information. Please email mailto:lisaburke@parathyroiduk.org

We will keep you updated on our website and social media channels

We are proud to be affiliated with:

ESE logo

Our information is also endorsed by:

BMA logo
British Thyroid Association
World Hypopara Awareness Day logo

We are members of:

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Genetic Alliance UK
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Read our quick guide to hypoparathyroidism

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