Pet medicine shortage leaves dogs at risk

Vets warn of nationwide phenobarbitone shortage as Sun Pharma works to restart production

Vets have warned pet owners of a nationwide shortage of the anti-seizure drug phenobarbitone, as the manufacturer Sun Pharma works to restart production at an upgraded facility.

Among those affected is Chantelle Murray, a Johannesburg dog owner who shared her experience of losing her own epileptic dog after months of being unable to find the medication.

In a letter to customers, healthcare professionals and industry partners dated 2 July 2026, Sun Pharma confirmed that its anti-seizure medication Sedabarb remained out of stock across South Africa.

It is unclear whether the drug has returned to shelves.

The company had said it expected supply to resume towards the end of July 2026, but has not yet issued a further update confirming whether that timeline was met.

Animal welfare worker calls for answers

Murray, who works in animal welfare, said she has spent the past six months watching the crisis unfold on social media.

“I have been trawling social media for the last six months because I myself have a dog that is epileptic who died on the 20th of July because we couldn’t find any Sedabarb anywhere,” she said.

“I have seen firsthand the outpouring of trauma and seizures and, you know, even loss, from people that have been desperately falling around trying to find it.”

She said colleagues in the veterinary profession had told her they were caught off guard by the shortage.

“Having spoken to some of the vets that I work with, they have all indicated that they were not informed about this whole issue with the production problem, that they had no awareness of it in advance, and that they’ve had to now try and manage clients that are desperately looking for medication.”

For Murray, the length of the disruption is the central issue.

“I certainly believe that a six month abrupt halt in production and supply of a vital medication for epilepsy – because phenobarbital or Sedabarb is the absolute foundation for epileptics – is really not okay,” she said.

“I do think we should be asking questions and expecting answers.”

Facility upgrade blamed for delay

Sun Pharma CEO Malcolm Brown said the shortage followed a large-scale upgrade of the company’s manufacturing operations.

“Sun Pharma has undertaken a significant upgrade and recapitalisation of our Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) manufacturing facility as part of our long-term commitment to ensuring the highest standards of pharmaceutical quality, manufacturing excellence and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance,” he said.

“Following completion of these upgrades, the facility is required to undergo the prescribed regulatory inspection and approval process by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) before manufacturing activities can recommence,” Brown said.

He said the company had kept in regular contact with the regulator.

“During our most recent engagement, we were advised that the final inspection report is expected imminently,” he said last month.

“Once received, Sun Pharma will immediately address any observations through a comprehensive Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) programme.”

Brown said SAHPRA had indicated it would try to speed up its review once Sun Pharma’s response was submitted.

“While the standard review period may extend to up to 30 working days in accordance with regulatory policy, both organisations have committed to working collaboratively to minimise any unnecessary delays and facilitate the earliest possible reinstatement of manufacturing activities.”

He added that the company remained “cautiously optimistic that product release can commence towards the end of July 2026, subject to regulatory approval.”

Brown said Sun Pharma was aware of the impact the shortage had caused.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience and concern this temporary interruption has caused to healthcare professionals, veterinarians, patients and their families,” he said.

Vets forced to find alternatives

The Noordhoek Veterinary Clinic told clients in a Facebook post on 18 June that it had almost run out of phenobarbitone, despite securing a permit to import the drug directly through SAHPRA.

“We did get a Section 29 permit to import directly through SAHPRA, but they also no longer have stock,” the clinic said.

It advised that dogs currently on phenobarbitone, Sedabarb or Lethyl would need a consultation so vets could find a suitable alternative, warning that some substitute medications carried worse side effects and higher costs.

“The situation is really beyond our control, but we will try our best to assist you and your pets,” the clinic added.