Topamax epilepsy medication faces EU-wide supply shortage

A manufacturing issue has caused a significant supply disruption for Topamax 50mg tablets, a medication commonly used to treat epilepsy and migraines. The manufacturer, Janssen-Cilag s. r. o., identified a need for technical adjustments and internal environmental technology updates during a routine inspection, leading to a temporary halt in production.

The shortage is expected to last until January 11, 2027. The disruption affects several European Union countries, including the Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

Regulatory authorities and the manufacturer have noted that existing stocks are not unsafe. To mitigate the impact, healthcare professionals are advised to prescribe alternative medications containing topiramate or to use the 25mg version of Topamax with adjusted dosing. Other available topiramate-based products remain on the market.