Meprobamate licence suspension recommended
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended (PDF) that the marketing authorisations for all meprobamate containing medicines are suspended over the next 15 months.
A recent review looked at all available data on the safety and efficacy of these medicines. It was concluded that there is a risk of serious and potentially fatal side effects even when taking this drug under normal conditions of use. The risks were even higher in cases of unintended overdose due to the narrow therapeutic window.
The EMA are advising doctors to stop prescribing meprobamate over the next 15 months and to consider using alternative treatments in line with national recommendations. Patients are to discuss their treatment at their next routine appointment.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this recommendation. Meprobamate is not widely used but it may be prudent to search clinical systems to identify those patients affected by this recommendation.
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I was put on this tablet and it worked so much for me but only to go for my repeat prescription and to be told that it was out of stock was so devastating. Please help I was feeling much better within a month.
Comment by Loveday — April 22, 2012 #
I have been on this drug for 30 yrs. I was a nervous wreck before taking this medication it has helped me live in the outside world after being agraphobic for many years. I feel distraught that its being banned in UK.
Comment by karen — November 6, 2012 #
@Karen,
There are other alternatives that will hopefully work just as well for you. You need to see your doctor to discuss the options that might be suitable for you (and perhaps inform them that this drug is being withdrawn - maybe they don't know yet).
Comment by Matthew Robinson — November 6, 2012 #