Medicine shortage: Department assures ‘numerous alternatives’ available

THE Department of Health has assured members of the public concerned by medicine shortages that there are “numerous alternatives” to ensure continuity of care.

The Department released a statement following coverage on the shortage of commonly used medications notified to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

According to reports, the number of medicines out of stock in Ireland has reached a record high – with 289 medicines out of stock.

Low dose packs of Aspirin 75mg are among medications out of stock, alongside medicines for blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, common antibiotics and a number of eye drops and topical creams.

Information in the latest Medicines Shortage Index shows that the number of medicines unavailable across the state has increased by almost 50 in the past four weeks.

Separately, research conducted by Amarach, commissioned by Azure Pharmaceuticals, states that six in 10 people in the State have been affected by medicine shortages over the past year.

According to the Department, where a patient has any disruption to their routine branded supply, “continuity of treatment can be assured through use of alternative products”.

The statement said: “Individual brands or strengths of a medication may be temporarily unavailable, but for the vast majority of medicines there are appropriate substitutions such as different strengths, brands or similar classes of medicines.

“The Medicines Shortages Framework, operated by the HPRA on behalf of the Department of Health, aims to prevent, where possible, and mitigate the impact of medicines shortages through close collaboration with the Department, the Health Service Executive, industry and healthcare professionals.”