Wockhardt UK, one of the largest generic pharmaceutical companies in the UK, has discontinued production of Diazepam RecTubes® 2.5mg Rectal Solution “due to manufacturing issues”.
The available stocks of the medicine are expected to be exhausted by March 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care (DH) and NHS England and Improvement (NHSE&I) stated in a supply disruption alert.
The medication is licensed for use in patients aged one year and above for treating epileptic and febrile convulsions, acute severe anxiety and agitation, tetanus.
It is also used as a sedative in minor surgical and dental procedures.
DHSC has advised all healthcare professionals to not initiate new patients on Diazepam RecTubes® 2.5mg, and update patient’s epilepsy passport/ child’s emergency care plans if any changes to treatment are needed.
They should also review all patient prescriptions having Diazepam RecTubes 2.5mg and consider alternatives where appropriate.
“Diazepam 5mg/ 2.5mL rectal solution remains available and can support an uplift in demand,” DHSC said.
Besides parents and careres should be counselled appropriately on the new treatment regimen including when to access emergency assistance where required.
Sukhi Basra