Update on Tegretol XR Shortage

Posted: September 10, 2003

The Epilepsy Foundation is aware of ongoing reports of shortages of Tegretol XR in various parts of the country. We recognize how frustrating this must be for people dependent on this medication. We have been in touch with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer, and have been assured that the company is committed to making Tegretol XR available for people with seizures. The company has advised us that new shipments will be available shortly, and may already have been received by the wholesalers who supply most retail pharmacies. In the meantime, emergency supplies of Tegretol XR can be obtained from Novartis by asking your pharmacy to contact the Novartis Customer Service Line at (800) 526-0175 to have the company ship an emergency supply to your pharmacy.

Additionally, several alternatives to Tegretol XR exist, such as Tegretol or generic carbamazepine, which are shorter-acting medications and will likely require changes in dosing schedules, or Carbatrol, another long-acting formulation of carbamazepine which can be given twice a day. Another option is to consider a new drug, particularly if you are not free of seizures or have troublesome side effects. If medication changes are made, even when changing from short-acting to long-acting forms, you should do so only with recommendations and monitoring from your doctor to lessen the risk of breakthrough seizures or side effects.

The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to advocating for people to have access to all Food and Drug Administration-approved products. In doing so, we maintain communication with the Drug Shortage Program of the FDA, making them aware of drug shortages affecting people with epilepsy. We will continue to work closely with them on this and any other drug shortages. We greatly appreciate your help in letting us know of any additional problems you may encounter.