Medicine shortages reaches new record high

The number of medicines in short supply has reached a new record high of 307, according to the latest Medicine Shortages Index.

It is the ninth consecutive month of rising shortages with the increase of out-of-stock medicines 81% higher than this time last year. 

The Index highlights persisting instability in Ireland’s medicine supply with shortages increasing by 95 medicines since the beginning of January, up 45% in just six months. 

The latest shortages analysis indicates a new severe scarcity of commonly used medicines to treat cholesterol and high blood pressure, including some seventeen statins currently out of stock. 

There are also severe shortages in low dose aspirin and nebulising solution for patients with asthma and COPD.

The Medicine Shortage Index, prepared by industry experts, Azure Pharmaceuticals, analyses data made publicly available by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).  

Commenting, Sandra Gannon, Chief Executive, Azure Pharmaceuticals said: “We have now exceeded the milestone marker of 300, with 307 medicines out-of-stock. We started reporting this problem when the number of shortages stood at approximately 165. The trend is clear. 

“Recent research illustrated the worsening impact of the issue with 60% of the public impacted by shortages in the past year alone. Those countries who have adjusted their approach in response to this supply crisis are faring better than those who have not. Regrettably, at a policy level, Ireland is yet to acknowledge the cause and effect of this problem. On that basis, things look set to get worse before they get better.”