Sinemet shortage in early 2011?

[Guest guest]

Those of you who take Sinemet may be interested

in this news relayed by the National Parkinson's Foundation...

The " issue " with taking the generic form of

Sinemet is that the FDA requires the

bioequivalence of any generic product to be

between 80% and 125% of that of the innovator

product. This is a rather large range.

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Email from National Parkinson's Foundation

1/7/11

Merck & Co. Inc. has informed the Parkinson's

disease community that in early 2011, there may

be a potential temporary supply shortage in the

U.S. for SINEMET® (carbidopa-levodopa) and

SINEMET CR® (carbidopa-levodopa controlled release tablets).

While there is currently no shortage, it is

advisable to speak with your health care provider

about appropriate steps should a shortage occur.

Your health care provider can give you relevant

information about potential short-term

alternative therapies, including the availability

of alternative generic equivalents.

The FDA has shown generic SINEMET® to be

effective against the symptoms of Parkinson's

disease, but dosing may need to be slightly

adjusted due to differences in manufacturing and

formulation. Should you need to temporarily

switch to a generic version of SINEMET®, be aware

that some people may experience a change in how

the medication works. If you do experience a

change, contact your health care provider who may

prescribe a different dose or timing regimen.

Patients, caregivers and health care

professionals in the U.S. who have more questions

about the availability of SINEMET® can contact

the Merck National Service Center at 1-800-NSC-MERCK.