Class 4 Drug Alert (Caution in use only) Perindopril Erbumine 2mg, 4mg & 8mg Tablets

Generics [UK] Limited t/a Mylan have informed us that the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) within the packs for the products listed above is missing relevant important safety information.

The affected products' details are as follows:

This is a caution in use only we are not accepting stock returns.

For more information or medical information queries, please contact: Generics [UK] Limited t/a Mylan Medical Information Direct Line +44 (0)1707 853 000 select option 1, Customer Care direct line +44 (0)1707 853 000 select option 2 or via Medical Information e-mail info@mylan.co.uk

Recipients of this Drug Alert should bring it to the attention of relevant contacts.

Teleflex Medical UK – Solus Agreement

From 4th January 2021, Alliance Healthcare UK will become the only wholesaler to supply the Teleflex Medical UK Urology product portfolio to all pharmacies and dispensing doctors in the United Kingdom. All Teleflex Medical UK lines will continue to be available through NWOS. There is a change in discount to 8.5% on applicable lines.

If you have any queries, please speak to your Alliance Healthcare Account Manager.

Alphega Pharmacy Members Win at Prestigious Pharmacy Awards

Two Alphega Pharmacy members triumphed at this year’s Chemist and Druggist awards: Jackie Lewis, Lewis Pharmacy, and Graham Phillips, Manor Pharmacy. Jackie and Graham have been recognised at one of the highest pharmaceutical industry levels for their remarkable efforts in assisting early diagnosis of cancer, diabetes and associated diseases.

Jackie Lewis, Alphega Pharmacy member and Pharmacist Director, has been at the heart of her community in Exmouth for over 20 years as owner and pharmacist at Lewis Pharmacy. COVID-19 changed the face of the world this year, and pharmacies were called upon to be part of their communities like never before - Lewis Pharmacy played its part by delivering all of its pharmacy services throughout 2020, to the benefit of the local community and UK patients.

At the end of what has been an extremely challenging year, Jackie has been awarded: “Community Pharmacist of the Year” at the reputable Chemist and Druggist awards, and is delighted to be recognised by the industry that she loves working in.

Over the last few years, Jackie has been increasingly involved in bringing community pharmacies to the forefront of assisting in early diagnosis of cancer by pharmacy teams. Working in collaboration with Macmillan, Cancer Research UK, British Oncology Pharmacy Association and now pharma industry partners, she started the year finalising the: ’Not Normal For You’ project within a group of local pharmacies. Jackie has since recruited a team of experts from all over the UK to work on a national early diagnosis project for pharmacy staff which will hopefully be released in early 2021.

Mike Smith, Alliance Healthcare UK, Non-Executive Advisor added: “Jackie (and Martyn Lewis) has looked after my wife Rosie and I for 10 years - the quality of her advice on medicines management is of the highest quality. The service from Lewis Pharmacy is second to none. This award proves how important the work you carry out really is, congratulations to you Jackie.”

Graham Phillips, Alphega Pharmacy member and Superintendent Pharmacist of Manor Pharmacy and ProLongevity Founder, was awarded: “Health Initiative of the Year” for his work with ProLongevity, a Diabetes Prevention Service. Graham said: “I am both delighted and humbled to receive such a prestigious award. Type 2 diabetes, and associated diseases such as obesity, cardio-vascular disease and dementia are a worldwide pandemic. Helping patients find sustainable solutions to preventing or reversing these long-term conditions by improving their lifestyles via the www.prolongevity.co.uk programme is truly a joy.”

Raj Nutan, Head of Alphega Pharmacy UK said: “All Alphega Pharmacy members demonstrate incredible support for UK patients, day-in, day-out, and we are very proud of all the efforts from community pharmacy, but in particular Jackie and Graham. Their commitment, energy and determination to help people in the UK live healthier and happier lives, and fight life-threatening diseases is truly incredible and I am delighted their efforts have achieved this level of recognition.”

Alliance Healthcare is proud to work with Alphega Pharmacy members and support their exceptional efforts.

Out of Hours Emergency Delivery – Important change for Croydon Service Centre only

Unfortunately, due to issues outside of our control, we are making our Croydon Service Centre customers aware of a change to our out of hours contact details. This is the contact for emergency deliveries for use when our service centre is closed. 

From 6pm on Thursday 10th December 2020, Croydon Service Centre customers contact for out of hours emergency deliveries* will be Securitas on 0844 725 5568. During the call, it will be essential that customers quote their Alliance Healthcare account number, a contact number and also state that you they are supplied by Croydon Service Centre.

The out of hours number can always be obtained by calling our Customer Service number (0330 100 0448) out of hours to hear the pre-recorded message.

Please note this change is only for Croydon Service Centre.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Pharmacy Business Virtual Conference 2020

Like many events this year, the Pharmacy Business Conference took place in a virtual setting, as pharmacy leaders came together for two evenings on Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th November, to discuss the future of community pharmacy.

Julian Mount, Managing Director, Alliance Healthcare joined the Pharmacy Leaders Panel, alongside Simon Dukes, PSNC, Mark Lyonette, and NPA, Ashley Cowen, AAH, hosted by Michael Holden, Associate Director, Pharmacy Complete.

Watch the highlights video of our involvement here

CLASS 3 RECALL - SIMVADOR 10, 20 & 40mg TABLETS

Lupin Healthcare (UK) Limited has informed us that the affected batches below (also distributed by Discovery Pharmaceuticals/Dexcel Pharma Limited) have been packaged with a version of patient information leaflet (PIL) that does not include the most up to date safety information..”   

MHRA drug alert link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-3-medicines-recall-lupin-healthcare-uk-limited-simvador-10mg-20mg-and-40mg-tablets-el-20-a-57?utm_source=22bc7d72-98a3-44b2-b529-22cffbe3f477&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate    

For stock control enquiries please contact +44 (0) 1565 751 378 Option 2 or information@lupin.com

For more information or medical information enquiries please contact +44 (0) 1565 751 378 Option 1 or

Pharmacovigilance Department at EU-PV@lupin.com

Please return all affected stock to your original supplier for credit. Unfortunately we can only accept stock purchased from us (Alliance Healthcare Distribution Limited). Any other stock will be returned to your stores/Pharmacies

This recall will remain open for 3 months from the date issued unless an alternative date is agreed by instigator. The closure of this will be 04/03/2021. Please note after this date customer returns may still be accepted but customers may not be credited.

Grunenthal: Vimovo™ Transition (PIP: 3591088) 30th November 2020

On the 30th November 2020, the Marketing Authorisation for Vimovo™ 500mg/ 20mg modified release tablets (500mg naproxen/ 20mg esomeprazole) transferred from AstraZeneca to Grunenthal. As Alliance Healthcare is Grunenthal’s exclusive wholesale partner this line will only be available to purchase from Alliance Healthcare moving forward. The applicable 5% downstream discount on selected Grunenthal lines will be applied to Vimovo™. If you have any queries, please speak to your Alliance Healthcare Account Manager.

CLASS 2 RECALL - BETAHISTINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE 8MG & 16MG TABLETS

Kent Pharmaceuticals Ltd has informed us that the affected batches above are contaminated with theophylline due to a cross-contamination issue identified with an excipient that was used in the manufacture of the finished product. Therefore, a decision has been taken to recall the affected batches

MHRA drug alert link: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-2-medicines-recall-kent-pharmaceuticals-ltd-betahistine-dihydrochloride-8mg-and-16mg-tablets-el-20-a-55?utm_source=40c23525-b2da-4a2b-9a24-fc70e06dce17&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

Please note that Alliance Healthcare do not stock and we are not accepting stock returns.

For stock control enquiries please contact customer.service@kent-athlone.com

For more information or medical information medical@kent-athlone.com

Company Led - Caution in use - Epistatus

Dear Healthcare Professional,

We have been made aware of Midazolam Maleate (Epistatus 10mg in 1ml Oromucosal Solution, Multidose bottle), unlicensed, emergency use medication for prolonged, acute, convulsive seizures: Potential risk of faulty and incorrectly engaged child - resistant container closure 

Please click here for further information 

Suspected drug reactions may also be reported to Veriton Pharma Ltd, Telephone +44 (0)1932 690325

For reporting of identified defects or queries, please contact Vertion Pharma Ltd, Telephone +44 (0) 1932690325 or email info veritonpharma.com

CLASS 2 RECALL - LARGACTIL AMP 50MG/2ML

Sanofi is recalling the below batches due to out of specification results obtained for the impurity chlorpromazine sulphoxide, which was suspected to be caused by increased oxidation as a result of higher oxygen content in the headspace of the ampoules. As a precautionary measure, the above batches are being recalled.

Please note that Alliance Healthcare do not stock and we are not accepting stock returns.

For stock control enquiries please contact GB-CustomerServices@sanofi.com or phone 0800 854 430

For medical information enquiries please contact uk-medicalinformation@sanofi.com or call 0800 035 25 25