Limited Baclofen Availability

A shortage of the drug baclofen (Lioresal®), in its oral tablet form, has been reported by Magee Rehabilitation of the Jefferson Health System. Many individuals with MS or other neurologic conditions depend on baclofen to treat spasticity. Causing muscle stiffness or spasms, spasticity is one of the most common symptoms of MS, and baclofen is the medication most often prescribed for this symptom. The shortage does not involve the form of baclofen used for the implanted pump.

A lack of raw materials has been blamed for the shortage, which was originally expected to continue until at least January 2003, when new materials to make the drug would become available. The pharmacy director from Magee believes that the raw materials may arrive at the pharmaceutical companies much earlier, possibly by November. Meanwhile, Magee was able to locate one drug company that could still supply the drug.

Individuals who take baclofen should check with their pharmacy for availability before their medication runs out and a refill is needed. Should a pharmacy not have a supply, individuals may either check with other local pharmacies, or ask their pharmacy to contact various suppliers.

People taking baclofen must be weaned off the drug slowly – discontinuing it abruptly can cause serious and even life-threatening symptoms, including increased spasticity, delirium, and seizures. Should the drug not be available at any time, individuals need to contact their physician for instructions. Alternative medications include tizanidine (Zanaflex®), dantrolene (Dantrium®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), diazepam (Valium®), chlordiazepoxine (Librium®), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®), and carbamazepine (Tegretol®), but some of these come with unwanted side effects, including excessive sleepiness and drug dependency.