The supplier of licensed phenoxybenzamine ("Dibenyline") capsules, Goldshield Pharmaceuticals, has experienced manufacturing difficulties with this product, and are currently out of stock. They are working to resolve the problem, but say that the product is unlikely to be available before the end of August 2009.

Although Goldshield are the sole suppliers of UK licensed phenoxybenzamine capsules, phenoxybenzamine capsules are available abroad and a number of companies specialise in importing unlicensed medicines for use on an individual patient basis. Under the medicines legislation, doctors can prescribe unlicensed medicines but they do so on their own responsibility, and are fully liable for their patients' welfare.

The Society is maintaining close contact with the Principal Pharmacist at the Department of Health and the UK Head of Goldshield Pharmaceuticals and we will keep you updated on further developments.