We are writing to inform you of the global divestiture of Provigil® from Teva Pharmaceuticals to Neuraxpharm. Teva’s decision to divest Provigil® was not widely communicated to sleep clinics, hospitals or pharmacies & certainly not shared with Narcolepsy UK, despite us having regular contact over several years on periodic supply issues.
Important Information About Provigil® (Modafinil)
What’s the current situation with access to Provigil
Provigil® is no longer being manufactured, supplied or marketed for the U.K. market. all existing UK TEVA stock has been fully consumed.
What’s changed?
Provigil® has been transferred from Teva Pharmaceuticals to another company called Neuraxpharm.
Neuraxpharm is now the Marketing Authorisation (MA) holder for Provigil® in the UK however, the product will no longer be marketed within the U.K.
We have discussed the situation with Neuraxpharm and although they have no plans to manufacture or supply
Provigil® across the UK. We are grateful for their confirmation that they also made the NHS Specialist Pharmacy
Team of the situation.
What does this mean for you?
You will likely be prescribed a generic version of modafinil instead of Provigil® The NHS generally prefers generic medicines because they are more cost-effective.
Are generic versions the same?
While generic modafinil contains the same active ingredient, some people find it may:
Work differently for them, or Cause different side effects
What should you do if you have problems?
If you notice new or worsening side effects with a different brand of modafinil, please report them through the
Yellow Card Scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
Speak to your doctor or sleep specialist if: Your medication feels less effective , You are struggling with side effects
Key takeaway
Provigil® is no longer being manufactured, supplied or marketed for the U.K. market. All existing UK TEVA stock has been fully consumed and is no longer available in the UK. You will need to continue treatment using alternative form of (generic) modafinil. Monitor how you feel and report any concerns.
Finally
In exceptional circumstances, where a consultant is willing to prescribe Provigil® specifically, Neuraxpharm may be able to assist with supply in the short-term by giving access to imported Provigil® from the EU.
Any such arrangement would be entirely at the discretion of the prescribing clinician, Neuraxpharm, and the relevant healthcare providers.