Availability of Sinemet

Availability of Sinemet 

I am writing to inform you of an expected supply interruption in SINEMET® (carbidopa-levodopa) and SINEMET CR® (carbidopa-levodopa controlled release). At Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited (MSD), we are working hard to help minimize the impact that this shortage will have on some Parkinson's patients and their physicians.

Starting in late 2009 and continuing into 2011 MSD will experience a significant global supply shortage of SINEMET and SINEMET CR. This temporary shortage is related to a change in the source of supply for the drug and the necessary timelines needed to obtain regulatory approvals for this supply change. It is important to note that this situation is not due to product quality or safety issues, nor is it due to delays on the part of individual regulatory agencies that approve this supply change.   To address the expected shortfall, Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck), our parent company, and MSD are taking action to manage available supply of these products through a process that primarily takes into account patient needs, as well as availability of alternative treatments (which exist in most markets), and contractual obligations. In accordance with our analysis, some markets will get their full needs met, many will experience a significant shortfall in their supply, and many will not get any supply of these products.

We know that it can be difficult for physicians to find the optimum treatment regimen for Parkinson's patients and we know that it can be difficult to change therapies. We apologize in advance as we know that some physicians and patients may experience temporary challenges if therapies need to be changed. Many countries are being asked to take reduced allocations so that Merck and MSD can supply product to patients in countries that have no or limited alternative treatment options. We want to thank you for your understanding, assistance, cooperation and patience as we do our best to put patients first from a global perspective. We want to assure you that we are working hard to return to the level of customer service that you expect from MSD.

 We are advising other customers and stakeholders as appropriate of this expected shortfall in those markets in which carbidopa-levodopa are marketed by MSD or licensed to third-party partners. If there is anything further we can do to help please do not hesitate to contact us.

You have my commitment that we will continue to keep you informed. Questions that you may have should be directed to Customer Services for emergency supply enquiries on +44 (0) 1992 462094, the Medical Information Department for medical information enquiries on +44 (0) 1992 467272 and the External Affairs Department for press enquiries on +44 (0) 1992 467272.

Regards,