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<p>The Department has a role to play in ensuring that supplies of medicines are available
nationally, and in sufficient quantity to meet demand. The Department does not monitor
stocks of medicine at a local level, and as such no assessment has been made of the
level of stocks of epilepsy medication in South London pharmacies.</p><p>The Department
has been working intensively with the pharmaceutical industry, National Health Service,
and others to address issues with the supply of some epilepsy medications. As a result
of our action, some supply issues with Tegretol prolonged-release tablets have been
resolved. However, some issues remain, and we are working with suppliers to resolve
these as soon as possible by expediting future deliveries, and ensuring that alternative
products remain available. We have issued guidance to healthcare professionals on
how to manage patients requiring affected medicines while supply is disrupted. The
Department has been engaging with the Epilepsy Society to keep them updated on developments.</p>
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