Phenobarbital Shortage?? (Top voted first)

I am having trouble getting phenobarbital from the pharm due to lack of supply. Anyone else having this issue?

REPLY

REPORT

I did find 30mg phenobarbital at Safeway Pharmacy. Unfortunately, it is that nutty one from
Qualitest that my body reacts to in an odd way. For my body, it is like taking speed. Hence, I
took Ny Quill sleepy time plus two barbs and for once slept for 10 hours. Sleep is a dire necessity for epileptics,
The original phenobarbital I got from Walgreens is not available right now, I will post the name of
that manufacturer when I get the name., OK?
You have to call each pharmacy in your area, and ask..do you carry PB in so and so mg.
Then you can have your Rx transferred there.
There are also Compounding Pharmacies. Look them up on line for your area.
I do not like Generics. PB is so cheap anyway...I do not get why Big Pharma messes with this.
Seizures are dangerous for the person and all around them. I guess Big Pharma does not care?

Love, patti

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

Here is a bulletin dated October 23, 2013 stating West-Ward has experienced a manufacturing delay on certain dosages (15, 30, 60, 100). They estimate availability will not occur until Q2 2014. The bulletin lists the different mg. that are available. I have called several Walgreens and found 2 stores that currently have 32.4mg. & 97.2mg. Just select the closest mg. to what you are taking, call to make sure it is in stock at Walgreens, CVS or Costco, then call your doctor to request a new Rx for the dosage that is available. Good Luck!

ashp.org/DrugShortages/Current/Bulletin.aspx?Id=1061

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

Patti, I am having a hell of a time finding my phenobarbital. Nobody seems to know, when or if it will be available. What are we suppose to do? Is there a substitute? Please help.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Yes. This is a big problem. My daughter who has multiple disabilities has been on phenobarbital for over 25 years. Her seizures have been managed well with a therapeutic dose . I have researched other options and they all come with major complications. I am guessing that the pharmaceutical companies don't want to make it because they can't make the profit that they can on other anti seizure meds they produce. It is a shame because this med has the least side effects of ant anti seizure drug out there.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I have been on PBS for 60 years. The companies are not out to kill you or me. It
Is physically, not goood to think negatively. There were reasons Westward had a
recall. Do not create fictions about why, it is plain silly!
If your pharmacy says we are on back order,...fine! Have him call another pharmacy in your area fr you to let you know where to get it, they may not have time to do that, if you have time to post here, I say you have the ability to find a pharm in your area on the Internet and call them. We are not 7 year olds.
If Wesrtward is ntot available, use whatever brand of PB you can find.


I mentioned before, call Life Extension Pharmacy in Florida, they will deliver it to your door. What more can you ask for! They have an 800 number.
Take care, use whatever PB is available. You cannot get what is unavailable at this time. Reminder..if you take phenytoin, PB, or both. Be advised that both rip
Vitamin D from your body. Tell your MD you want a test for Vitamin D levels.
Mine was atrociously low..I take Vitamin D now without fail.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I have taken both phenobarbital and phenytoin daily to control my seizures for 30+ years. That is with the exception of approximately an 18 month period (2007-2008). Doctor said I was "taking old time medicine" and he switched me to this new drug, topomax, that was going to be wonderful for me. I kept telling him I just didn't feel quite right, was not having seizures, but kept pleading for my "old time" medicines back. He kept pushing me off at each appointment I had, saying "let's wait for your next 3 month checkup and see". In Spring of 2008 I totaled my car, during rush hour, on the freeway due to seizure while on topomax! Lucky I didn't kill anybody. Four more seizures - within 3 months. One of them happened while I was walking across a well-traveled road (crossing at green traffic light walk signal) and I just dropped to the ground. Lucky someone protected me from being run over until ambulance arrived. I HOLD THAT DOCTOR RESPONSIBLE for my car crash and 4 seizures that followed within a few months. I finally got my "old time medicine" back in Summer 2008. In November 2013 my Phenobarbital 3 month RX cost $6.52 (same ballpark price range over the years). In February 2014 the 3 month RX cost $54.59! Almost a 900% increase. My body needs both phenobarbital and phenytoin to be seizure free! I cannot afford to go thru a repeat of Summer 2008. Will I be able to find phenobarbital on May 1st? If so, will I have to sell my house in order to afford them? How could we, the consumers who desperately need phenobarbital to control seizures, retaliate against the manufacturer, WEST-WARD, so they would have to "walk in our shoes" experiencing denial of this critical drug??

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

After my post, I called Westward Pharm and found out they were not producing the 10, 15, 30. 60s right now due to an issue at their plant. Other formulations are available, but adjustments will be needed.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I was told by Walgreens that no Big Pharma makes 30 mg phenobarbs any longer.
They put me on junk from Qualitest ..and what is in this stuff? air? It does not work at all. I may as well chew an index card before bed. ThenFDA should know about
their inferior products. Nice to know veterinarians find it ineffective as well!
The main website of Qualitest proudly shares their value on thebNASCAQ.
But I see them out for some fast money and even their website does not.work.
Typical, Big Pharma at work!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Hi Virginia!
Thanks for the update. I also called Westward and they said they are not releasing more PB till January 2014 and beyond. They said you could call McKesson who works with pharmacies to find out which pharmacies are carrying PB where you live. They cannot fill any prescriptions. I found a full bottle of PB from Westward in my cabinet. Those PB from Westward do help me sleep. As I stated in previous posts the Qualitest acts like a strong stimulant for me. I hate them. Lastly, Call the pharmacy and ask if that 32 mg is Qualitest or not...I do think it is inhumane to have folks chasing around and stressed out. There are gazillions of medications currently unavailable. I wish I needed none of them. Big Pharma makes big bucks. Shame on them for hoarding profits and not caring at all if people get served! ..... heck..we are not in Bangaladesh..or are we? Thank you again for your post! Patti ?? The tablet size you mentioned is avaialble at CVS in Calidornia and in those doses made by Qualitest..not WestWard. I may be in error on this..please let me know. Many pharmacies have no PB.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Yes, I was told it was being discontinued or phased out but have not found any info anywhere online and my physician was unaware as well the mfg. I have had a lot of issues since Sept of'13 Would love to know what you find out.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I CALLED TO HAVE MY MEDICATION REFILLED DECEMBER 27TH 2013.WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP THE REFILL I WAS THEN,IMFORMED OF A BACK ORDER.WHAT ARE WE TO DO IF WE CAN'T GET OUR MEDS.I'VE BEEN ON THIS FOR 36 YEARS.IF I DIDN'T CALLED TO SEE IF THE MEDICATION WAS READY THEY WOULD'VE NEVER CALLED ME.I'M VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THIS WHAT DO I DO,BESIDES GETTING ANOTHER PRESCRIPTION FROM MY DOCTOR TO TAKE SOMEWHERE ELSE, THAT DON'T HAVE ANY.THIS IS NOT A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY SO WHY ARE THOSE OF US WHO HAVE TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION BEING TREATED LIKE WHERE IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY.THE PEOPLE IN THOSE THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES PROABLY ARE GETTING OUR MEDS, AND THE HELL WITH US HERE IN AMERICA THAT WERE NOT IMFORMED OF A SO CALL SHORTAGE.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

You can go to a hospital emergency room if need be, many drugs are on shortage, chill out.. You can get PB from LifevExtension in Florida. They will deliver it . If one pharmacy is out of PB pick up the phone and call another. We are not a third world country. It just takes patience and a cool head, playing victim is non-productive. So if you miss your meds for one day, no, you will not die. PB remains in your blood. But if you are freaked out..and can afford ER,,try that..just stop stressing and get into action. Safeway, Target, Wakgreen, Cvs, rite Aid, Costco all have PB. If your pharmacy is out..try another.. Do it now.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I have medicated an epileptic dog for 10 years with West-Ward, 30 mg, 2x/day, no problems. When I went to get a refill 2/24/13, was told that the pheno was on back order. Ended up with what I was told was comparable Quali-test 34.2 mg. My dog was on this for exactly 11 days before she began having uncontrollable seizures, which led to loss of bowel and bladder control, extreme disorientation, and lack of ability to navigate. Since it was Saturday night when this occurred and our vet's office was closed, we took her to a nearby 24-hour vet hospital, where they put her down. Today I did online research about Quali-test phenobarbital and found that, in 2011, they did a massive recall due to mislabeling of hydrocodone 10 mg/ acetaminophen 500 mg as phenobarbital 32.4 mg tablets. The vet hospital has preserved our dog's body so our family vet can take a blood draw from it tomorrow to determine if there is any phenobarb present, and if so, what level, as well as look for the presence of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Additionally, I am having the Qualitest tablets tested to determine what specifically is in them. If they have again mislabeled the meds they are marketing as phenobarbital, we'll be obtaining legal counsel. It's too late for our dog, but perhaps others will be spared. If you are having trouble obtaining pheno in your area (I believe this is now a nationwide issue), and your only recourse is to convert to Qualitest 34.2mg USE EXTREME CAUTION. If you know others who are currently reliant on this med, please alert them. And...where is the FDA in this matter?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Randi sorry to heat about your dog. I do not like Quali -Test either. You can read other posts from
months back about this.
If you trust the FDA to approve safe drugs, you are sadlymistaken. The current Rxs of many kinds kill at least 30,000 people each year. I have seen my cat have seizures years ago and what a sad thing for you to go through.
West-ward still not putting out the 30 mg.

I hope You find some peace

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

My dog has been on phenobarbatol for the past 10 years to control her seizures. We started at about 20.00 per 90days and in March it was up to 53.00....imagine my shock today when I picked it up and it cost 133.00 for the same pills. The drug companies are making a killing on these meds. I work in the pharma industry (not a drug company) and there has been a lot of talk about shortages and cost increases due to research....and some of it has been true....but there is no current shortage of this med and no reason for research and development so therefore no reason for such a drastic jump in price. Just greed!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

We're you able to locate this medication? If not I maybe able to help. Let me know thank you... I'm in the pharmaceutical business... This item will become more expensive in the coming months...

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Hello, Alex! How are you? Sorry about the problem that you're having getting your prescription filled.

Yes, there have been several posts recently about this issue, but there is currently no information available on when the problem may be resolved.

Learn more Phenobarbital details here.

The only suggestion I can really make is to speak to your doctor to see if there are any alternatives you can use, in the meantime.

Does anyone else know more about the shortage?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Thanks for the info. I've been calling around and am still looking. You are right about the big pharms. I thought, I'll just run out, have a seizure and may be I'l get to retire a bit earlier. Sounds like a plan to me.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

lLesley The original barb I used was made by westward and worked well with my body. see my previous posts. I did call Wakgreens who last month had Qualitest Phenobarbital at 64 gms..now has none at all! This irks me because epileptics must have sleep..and this is my second of third month on Qualitest that acts like Starbucks coffee in my body! My goal is to find the Westward brand somewhere! Sleep repairs our bodies, and I have had seizures years ago when I was not sleeping well, If anyone knows who sells Westward Products in any state, please let me know? Hang in there..stay calm! We shall overcome!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Call every pharmacy in your area and most have Qualitest Phenobabital. Forget Westward brand.
It is not being discontinued. Be sure too read all previous posts. Do not make an issue of this.
MDs treat patients, they are not pharmacists NOR is it their job to track supplies of drugs. That is between you and your local pharmacies. Do not give up hope. You willI find your drugs.
Your telephone is your Brest Bet to find the drug you need.
Walgreens in my city, has all strengths.and so

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

This is the 2nd month in a row I went to get a refill on a prescription and now walgreens tells me that the 64.8 mg has ...

7 REPLIES

I was prescribed Myrbetriq for a spasmatic bladder, but it is not working and I stopped taking it. The pharmacist says i...

5 REPLIES

Is there a change in the dosage of phenobarbital 30 mg and if so why aren't pharmacies and doctors on the same page....

5 REPLIES

Does a ten year old pill still have any potensy ## Most likely not. Even those still sealed in the original factory cont...

4 REPLIES

white round pill with number 5012 imprinted on one side and a v or check mark like mark ## Yes, this is Phenobarbital 32...

3 REPLIES

I have been on pheonbarbital for 40 years, no problem 60 mg 2x a day now. I am being told its back ordered, they don'...

3 REPLIES

Phenobarbital in various strengths ## Not only are there copyright issues, but this is a generic medication, which means...

2 REPLIES

I have been on Suboxone for over a year and I want to get off of it. I am down to.5 mg once a day. For some reason that ...

1 REPLY

Is phenobarbital available by prescription only?...It's just for the seizures of my dog... Can you please help me wi...

I have a small doubt that is there any record that Phenobarbital will induce and develop precocious puberty in children ...