HELP! - Imported substitute drugs???

LORRAINE G · Post by **LORRAINE G** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 4:43 pm

I have just been to my GP to collect my drugs ready for going to Kings next week and have been told that the drugs company have only supplied 1 vial of Gonal F 75iu when two is needed. It seems that they have no more stocks and have offered to deliver a foreign import (of the same drug - they tell me) tomorrow. Has anyone else had this happen? I am not sure what to do, do you think I should contact Kings about it? Any help / advice would be great!! Thanks so much (in anticipation) Lorraine G

Lorraine · Post by **Lorraine** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 5:56 pm

Hi Lorraine I remember on my first cycle of IVF at St Barts they ran out of the meonpur I needed and ours had to be imported. It came without any problem - other than us having to travel a 100 mile round trip to get it that is! I work as a nurse and sometimes supplies of drugs are difficult and pharmacy have to go nationwide/abroad for supplies. The meds are no different and are usually made by the same manufacturer - sometimes down the road from us!!! Hopefully this is only a minor hiccup - but you need to chase them so you are neither worried or inconvenienced. If you don't get them tomorrow I would call Kings - you will definetly be able to get another ampoule of Gonal F from them or another pharmacy - but you will need time to organise prescription etc. (It is likely the pharmacy haven't even tried other pharamcies in the area - to see if they could "borrow one" but are just trying to get in their own supply) I know at our local BMI hospital they kept limited stocks of Gonal F as it is a bit more expensive (purer - I think) and so it is not always used - that may be why your GP has ran into this problem in the first place. So! Try not to worry - Good luck to you for your treatment next week. Best Wishes Lorraine (another one!) xxx

LORRAINE G · Post by **LORRAINE G** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 7:34 pm

Hi Lorraine Thank you so much for your reply. I will chase my GP tomorrow and if no joy, contact Kings in the afternoon. I will let you know how I get on! LOL Lorraine G