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PARKINSON’S UK

Campaign to end Sinemet shortage
We need people affected by Parkinson’s to contact the Medical Director at Merck to demand that the shortage of Parkinson's drug Sinemet ends now.
The worst thing is the uncertainty. The drugs are a lifeline so it's a real panic when they're not available.
Briony Cooke, person with Parkinson's
This shortage has caused anxiety and deep distress for people who are already trying to cope with the impact of Parkinson’s.
How you can help
Take action: Ask Merck what they're doing about the Sinemet shortage
Using our simple online form only takes a few minutes and can make a big difference.
What we want
We are asking Merck, the manufacturers of Sinemet, to:
• take greater responsibility for communication with people with Parkinson’s – such as taking part in an online questions and answers session on our forum
• clarify how they are managing the supply of Sinemet, how supplies will be released and where they will be sent to
• ensure that pharmacists are clear about the new way that Merck is distributing Sinemet through a single wholesaler
What we have been doing
• We initially contacted Merck for more information.
• As the calls to our helpline increased, we put information about the shortage on our website to inform people with Parkinson's and professionals.
• In partnership with the British Geriatric Society Movement Disorders Section and the Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist Association (PDNSA), we contacted Merck again to ask for direct communication with people with Parkinson’s. This included an invitation to do an online questions and answers session on our forum.
In Merck's reply they acknowledged that they have not done enough to communicate with people with Parkinson's. But they have not committed to any action as yet.
We have also been in contact with two parliamentarians, who will be asking questions in parliament about this shortage and what the Government is doing about it.