Drug shortages in the European Union (EU) are becoming a serious problem. These shortages affect vital medicines and are caused by several factors. Manufacturing issues, higher demand, and problems in the supply chain are some of the main causes. These shortages are impacting people’s health, as essential drugs are not available when needed.
Why Are Drugs in Short Supply?
Drugs may go out of stock for a few different reasons. First, manufacturers may face production problems. They may not have enough materials or workers to make the drugs. Second, demand for certain drugs may rise unexpectedly. This happens when there is a sudden increase in illness or health problems. Finally, there may be supply chain disruptions. These problems can make it hard to get the ingredients needed to make the medicines.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has listed 34 medicines that are in short supply. Of these, 16 are considered critical. These are drugs that people need for serious health conditions. To help fix the problem, the European Commission has created the Critical Medicines Act. This law aims to keep these important medicines available to patients.
Medicines Currently in Short Supply
Here are some of the most critical medicines that are in short supply across the EU:
Cyanokit for Cyanide Poisoning
Cyanokit is the only medicine approved in the EU to treat cyanide poisoning. It contains hydroxocobalamin, a form of vitamin B12. This medicine is very important in emergencies, such as after a fire or chemical accident. But in December 2024, the company that makes Cyanokit stopped production. They found possible contamination in some batches. Although the risk is low, the shortage is expected to last until May 2025.
Amoxicillin: A Common Antibiotic
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections. It has been in short supply since October 2022. The shortage is mainly due to an increase in respiratory illnesses. Many people are getting sick with conditions like colds and the flu. This higher demand has made it hard for manufacturers to keep up. While the situation has improved in some countries, occasional shortages still happen.
Salbutamol Inhalers for Respiratory Conditions
Salbutamol inhalers are used by people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These inhalers help them breathe better. But there are not enough to meet the growing demand. This shortage is expected to continue until at least mid-2025, although other treatments are available.
Insulin Shortages for Diabetic Patients
Insulin is a life-saving medicine for people with diabetes. However, there have been shortages of certain insulin types since early 2023. The manufacturer decided to stop making several insulin products, such as Insuman Rapid, Basal, and Comb 25. This has caused a shortage for many patients. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has advised doctors to switch to other brands.
Cancer Medications in Short Supply
The EU is also facing shortages of cancer medications. Some of the drugs in short supply include methotrexate, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. These medicines are essential for cancer treatment. The shortages are mainly due to production problems and higher-than-expected demand. Methotrexate, used for cancer and other conditions, is in particularly high demand, worsening the situation.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Shortage
Ixiaro is a vaccine used to prevent Japanese encephalitis, a virus spread by mosquitoes. There has been a shortage of Ixiaro in several EU countries, including Ireland, Italy, and Spain. This shortage is due to both higher demand and problems with production. The shortage should end by April 2025, as more vaccines become available.
Blood Disease Medication Shortage
Pegasys, a medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C, is also in short supply. The shortage is due to higher-than-expected demand. The European Medicines Agency expects the situation to improve later in 2025.
Schizophrenia Medication Shortage
Zypadhera, a medication used to treat schizophrenia, is in short supply due to manufacturing issues. The shortage has been especially problematic in Belgium. Zypadhera is an injectable form of olanzapine, and the shortage is partly due to problems with making the injection needles.
Heart Attack Prevention Drug Shortage
Integrilin is a drug used to prevent heart attacks in certain patients. However, supply chain issues with one of its ingredients have led to a shortage. As a result, GlaxoSmithKline stopped making the drug in the EU. However, there are other treatments available.
Eye Disease Medication Shortage
Verteporfin, a medicine used to treat eye diseases, has been in short supply since 2020. The shortage has affected countries like Austria. Full restocking is expected by late 2025.
Efforts to Solve Drug Shortages
The EU is taking steps to address these medicine shortages. The Critical Medicines Act, introduced by the European Commission, aims to stabilize the supply of essential medicines. This law focuses on ensuring that critical drugs are always available to patients, even during periods of high demand or production problems.
The EU is also working to find alternative sources for these medicines. However, until these solutions are in place, patients may continue to face delays in receiving their medications.
The ongoing shortages of essential medicines in the EU highlight the need for better planning and coordination in the healthcare system. Efforts are being made to improve the situation, but patients and doctors must navigate the challenges for the time being.