Fluphenazine, also known by the brand name Prolixin, is a antipsychotic medicine that is part of the Typical class.
It is a high-potency medicine that is used in some countries in the treatment of psychosis-related conditions and Schizophrenia, among others.
Fluphenazine was discontinued in the United Kingdom in 2020. It is therefore no longer prescribed. But what happened to the medicine?
About Fluphenazine
Fluphenazine is an antipsychotic medicine. It was first used in 1959, and its injectable form is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
Like with most antipsychotics, Fluphenazine has a range of side effects. Weight gain, movement problems, and sedation are all common.
Fluphenazine is still used in many countries to treat conditions like Schizophrenia. However, the medicine is no longer used in the United Kingdom.
Why was Fluphenazine discontinued in the United Kingdom?
In November 2020, Fluphenazine was discontinued in the United Kingdom. This was due to a shortage of ingredients, which affected many countries around the world.
Around the time, many industries were impacted by supply chain problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, many medicines became casualties.
GP’s were asked to refer patients using Fluphenazine to their local Community Mental Health Team for support. A medicine review was arranged for those using the medicine.
Anyone that had been prescribed Fluphenazine were gradually moved over to alternative medicines, or for those without symptoms, they stopped use.
These other medicines were typically antipsychotics. Most patients switched to similar medicines like Flupentixol, Zuclopenthixol, or Haloperidol, although each patient had different requirements.
Summary
From time-to-time, medicines go out of circulation, or are no longer licensed for use. But healthcare professionals generally have plans for such occurrences.
It is important for anyone taking a medicine that is discontinued to seek an appointment with a GP or mental health professional. This ensures that the patient’s mental health can remain strong.
See Also
- Antipsychotics Homepage
- Everything You Should Know About Typical Antipsychotics
- Everything You Should Know About Atypical Antipsychotics
- FAQ’s About Mental Health Medicines
- Medicines Homepage
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