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Olanzapine and Quetiapine

Answer

Departmental officials are aware that there were some short term supply issues which affected the availability of olanzapine and quetiapine tablets in May/June 2017.

A major generic supplier of olanzapine tablets experienced some short term manufacturing issues which consequently meant other suppliers experienced an increase in demand at short notice, which they could not readily meet. However, the manufacturing issues were resolved quickly and the overall supply of olanzapine tablets improved within a few weeks.

In terms of quetiapine supply issues, this was caused by a major generic supplier, with large market shares of quetiapine tablets, discontinuing this product range without notifying the Department. This led to significant market disruption as other suppliers experienced a large increase in demand at short notice. However, suppliers were able to bring in additional supplies to cope with the extra demand and supplies improved by July 2017.

During this period, Departmental officials were in regular contact with all United Kingdom licensed suppliers of both quetiapine and olanzapine and worked closely with them to discuss their supply position and to ensure sufficient suppliers remained available to meet UK requirements.

We are not aware of any current supply issues affecting olanzapine and quetiapine and several suppliers have confirmed that supplies are readily available.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

162968

Session

2017-19

Grouped for answer

Yes

Subjects

Olanzapine Quetiapine

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk