The information in this alert provides an update to SDA/2020/012 issued on 21^st August 2020.

Essential Pharma has informed the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) of its decision to reverse the discontinuation of Priadel 200mg and 400mg tablets from the UK market with immediate effect, whilst facilitating pricing discussions. As such the discontinuation notice issued to DHSC earlier this year has been withdrawn.

In light of this, clinicians across all healthcare settings are advised that there is no longer a need to implement system wide switching of patients from Priadel tablets to an alternative lithium carbonate preparation until further notice.

Essential Pharma has confirmed supplies of Priadel 200mg and 400mg tablets are sufficient to meet current UK demand and is working to ensure further stocks are available to maintain supply after April 2021.

All Patients who require lithium treatment should now continue to be managed in line with usual clinical practice underpinned by the relevant NICE guidance.

Although DHSC cannot confirm a discontinuation will not take place in future, it is important to note that under the Health Service Products (Provision and Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2018, marketing authorisation holders must provide the DHSC a minimum of six months’ notice of an intention to discontinue a product from the UK market.

The attached alert contains further information.

Please note that no response is required via the CAS website to this alert.