Further information on the Xenical supply shortage

News story:  Roche has issued the following statement on Xenical 120mg capsules: "..There is a temporary interruption to the supply chain and that there is now a stock-out of Xenical 120mg Capsules in Roche’s UK distribution centre...At this time, Roche does not know how long the stock out will last and unfortunately will not have additional information before mid-March 2012 when Roche will issue further communications regarding supply..."

Xenical Stock availability

For up-to-date information on Xenical & orlistat availability please check our Xenical Stock availability page.

Analysis:  The information issued by the pharmaceutical giant is rather vague however we have been reassured this is indeed a manufacturing/operational problem. The latest information we have been given is that an official press release from Roche and GlaxosmithKline (who are responsible for distributing Xenical in the UK) is expected over the coming days. Current supplies of the drug are very limited, and the vast majority of pharmacies across the country have now run out of stock. Where stock is available it is being bought up quickly, and high demand is also driving up prices.
For now, MyOnlineDoctor is keen to put patients' minds at ease following enquiries as to whether the treatment has been pulled from sale due to safety concerns.
Branded orlistat under the name Xenical, has been manufactured by Roche for well over 10 years and is distributed globally as a weight loss treatment. Orlistat (the ingredient which makes Xenical work) was deemed safe enough for sale over-the-counter under the brand name Alli back in 2009. Xenical is widely considered to be a safe drug and its action is concentrated solely on the gastrointestinal tract where it prevents the body from absorbing excessive dietary fats.

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