Ireland's drug shortages are now “worse than ever”, according to a leading pharmacist and podcaster.
There are currently 332 medicines in short supply in Ireland, according to the latest Medicines Shortage Index released today.
According to the index, compiled by Azure Pharmaceuticals, the number of medicines facing shortages has increased by 90% compared to the 178 medicines reported at this time last year.
upon breakfast briefing This morning Cork pharmacist Sheena Mitchell outlined the medicines most affected.
“There are widespread shortages “It’s common to many antibiotics,” she said.
“It's also prevalent in eye drops, causing huge problems when trying to obtain steroid creams and painkillers in general.
“Intermittent problems with various IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) medications have been particularly stressful for patients, creating a time-sensitive situation.”
Medications for ADHD
Mitchell said access to ADHD medication is also a big issue.
“We are experiencing severe shortages in one particular brand, which has an overflow effect on other available brands.
“Prescribers are having to change to second or third choice, and that's putting undue pressure on these brands. We're really seeing this across the board.”
The pharmacist did his best protect patients from shortages Until now, Mitchell said.
“They are [pharmacists] “We were able to hide it a little bit by absorbing some of the cost of alternative medicine or substituting different strengths of the drug,” she said.
“But now even that has become very difficult, creating a very difficult situation for pharmacists and patients alike.”
market regulation
Mr Mitchell said the problem was exacerbated by one company's dominance of Ireland's pharmaceutical market.
“We have one supplier of drugs that are on patent, but generic companies cannot manufacture them,” she said.
“One solution is to shorten the patent life of medicines, which would alleviate some of the shortage.
“This means that the company holding the patent will have exclusive possession of the patent for a shorter period of time, and other companies will be able to manufacture it as well.”
other countries
Sandra Gannon, CEO of Azure Pharmaceuticals, called on Ireland to follow other European countries in protecting the supply of medicines.
“Other European countries, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal and Denmark, have taken various domestic policy measures to protect their national interests,” she said.
“These countries are showing foresight in addressing potential vulnerabilities in their health systems.”
Ms Gannon claimed there was a lack of response from the Irish government “despite the seriousness of the situation”.
she called out Policymakers need to take action This is to ensure Ireland does not run out of vital medicines before it is too late.
