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Supply tensions concerning certain drugs in Europe have been going on for several months and certain molecules are even experiencing a shortage. This is what is pushing the Standing Committee of European Doctors to speak out on the subject today.
Shortage of paracetamol, amoxicillin… There are indeed tensions in the supply of certain molecules in Europe. A situation that can make certain drugs more difficult to obtain for patients who need them.
Around 3,000 molecules out of stock in France
Amoxicillin, this antibiotic often prescribed to children to fight against bacterial infections, is difficult to find in pharmacies in France. According to the president of the Union of Community Pharmacists Unions (USPO), there would be “3,000 molecules out of stock, twice as many as last year“. But other countries in Europe are also affected.
80 to 85% of active ingredients imported from India and China
Faced with this situation, the Standing Committee of European Doctors has decided to take the floor by way of communicated : “European doctors are deeply concerned about increasing short- and long-term drug shortages. We call on the European Union to take urgent action.” Indeed, according to Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy and Finance, “80 to 85% of the active ingredients used to produce medicines in Europe are imported from China and India“.
A situation that is not new. Indeed, in 2011, already the Academy of Pharmacy made the observation: “The pressure on prices and costs as well as the continuous increase in environmental regulations in Europe has led to a massive relocation of the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients from France and Europe in general, most often to Europe. Asia (China and India in particular)“.
The European Medicines Agency believes that the situation will improve
In response to the concerns expressed by European doctors, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in turn explains in a press release that it “has received positive feedback from major manufacturers and it is expected that supply will be increased in the weeks and months to come.”
It also ensures theirprovide regulatory support to increase production capacity”by relaxing the rules currently in force within the EU, such as the authorization of certain molecules.
Finally, she counts on the fact that “EU member states expect the peak of infections to begin to subside soon, which should bring down the currently increased demand for antibiotics”.
An unsatisfactory situation for European doctors
Finally, for the EMA, there is “in most cases” an alternative in case of shortage. But for Dr Christiaan Keijzer, President of CPME, “unavailability of medications can severely limit physicians’ ability to provide appropriate treatment to patients. A physician’s decision on which treatment to prescribe should be based solely on each patient’s situation, not on the availability of medication or alternatives“.
The European Commission plans to present a new set of measures that will better address future drug shortages in the future. The ANSM for its part requested the EMA “with a view to European coordination of the situation“. She also believes that the supply tensions for amoxicillin should last”until March 2023“.