Nitrendipine is a calcium channel blocker. It helps lower blood pressure by dilating the vessels. But the molecule is currently difficult to find in pharmacies.
The Viatris Santé laboratory has informed the health authorities of these difficulties for the 10 mg and 20 mg dosages (boxes of 30 and 90 tablets). Without, however, specifying the exact causes of this rupture. How to react if you are in this situation? We asked the question to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
The golden rule: never stop your treatment alone
Suddenly stopping antihypertensive treatment exposes patients to the risk of a rebound effect, which can unbalance blood pressure and weaken the heart. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, recalls the instructions to follow.
“Avoid interrupting your treatment alone, especially for a blood pressure medication, because sudden cessation can unbalance the hypertension and expose you to complications. In the event of a break, the good reflex is to contact your pharmacy, who can check stocks, order if possible and, depending on the situation, offer an authorized replacement or refer you to the prescriber.”
What to do in the event of a shortage in a pharmacy
If your pharmacy is out of stock, responsiveness is essential. It is necessary to initiate a coordinated approach between the pharmacist and the attending physician to adjust the treatment.
“If the shortage is confirmed, call your attending physician or the prescriber to decide on a change of molecule, another dosage or another pharmaceutical form. The pharmacist can sometimes issue a generic or a therapeutic substitute when there is a replacement recommendation or a suitable framework. He then informs the prescriber. For essential medicines, the ANSM centralizes alerts of shortages and supply tensions” adds our expert.
Good reflexes for chronic patients
To limit the impacts of this shortage, several habits must be adopted:
- Anticipate your renewals without waiting for your packets to expire;
- Always have your medical documents (prescription, precise name of the medication) available;
- And never try to change your doses on your own.
In addition, in case of doubt, the laboratory information service can be reached on 0 800 123 550.
Faced with this supply tension, the absolute priority is to maintain blood pressure balance under medical supervision. Alternative therapeutic solutions exist to ensure the continuity of your treatment in complete safety.