Silke Mayr The European Union (EU) is currently grappling with significant shortages of critical medicines, affecting 16 essential drugs that are crucial to public health. Manufacturing disruptions, increased demand, and other supply chain challenges have caused these shortages. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), there are ongoing shortages of 34 medicines, with 16 of these categorized as essential by the EU. Efforts are underway to resolve the situation, including legislation such as the Critical Medicines Act aimed at addressing these challenges.
Cyanokit: The Only Cyanide Poisoning Antidote
Cyanokit, the EU-approved antidote for cyanide poisoning, is in short supply after a temporary suspension of its manufacturing in December 2024 due to contamination risks. The medicine, which contains hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12a), is essential for treating cyanide poisoning. Despite the contamination risk being low, the lack of alternative treatments means the medicine remains in circulation. Authorities expect the shortage to be resolved by May 2025.
Amoxicillin: An Essential Antibiotic
Amoxicillin, widely used to treat bacterial infections, has been in short supply since October 2022, primarily due to an increased demand for antibiotics following a surge in respiratory illnesses. Additionally, manufacturers have faced staffing shortages, exacerbating the issue. Although some improvement has been seen, intermittent supply problems continue to affect several EU countries.
Salbutamol Inhalers: A Lifeline for Respiratory Patients
Salbutamol inhalers and nebulizers, used to treat conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are in limited supply due to rising demand. While alternatives are available, manufacturers are struggling to keep up, and supply issues are expected to persist until at least mid-2025.
Insulin: Critical for Diabetes Management
Insulin shortages have impacted patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes, especially for specific types such as Insuman Rapid, Basal, and Comb 25. Supply chain delays in early 2023 led to production halts, prompting the EMA to encourage healthcare professionals to switch patients to alternative insulin brands. These shortages are gradually improving, but challenges remain.
Cancer Treatment Drugs: Ongoing Shortages
Seven cancer treatments are currently in short supply across the EU, including hycamtin, methotrexate, and cisplatin. Manufacturing issues have primarily caused these shortages, with unexpected demand for methotrexate injections, which are also used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, worsening the situation. Alternative treatments are available, and some shortages are being addressed, though many remain unresolved.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine: Delayed Restocking
The vaccine for Japanese encephalitis, Ixiaro, has faced shortages due to increased demand and production issues. While the shortage affected several EU countries, including Ireland and Spain, supply levels are now improving. The EMA expected the shortage to resolve by January 2025, but restocking in Ireland is now expected by April 2025.
Pegasys: Medicine for Blood Disorders
Peginterferon alfa-2a, known by the brand name Pegasys, is used to treat chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other blood disorders. Unexpectedly high demand has led to shortages, which the EMA expects to resolve by late 2025.
Zypadhera: Schizophrenia Medication
Zypadhera, an injectable form of olanzapine used to treat schizophrenia, has faced intermittent supply issues due to manufacturing problems. This has caused a shortage of needles in some EU countries, particularly in Belgium, where only limited quantities are available.
Integrilin: Heart Attack Prevention
Integrilin, a drug used to prevent heart attacks in patients with severe chest pain, is also in short supply. A shortage of its active ingredient, eptifibatide, led to a halt in production by GlaxoSmithKline, and the drug has been removed from the EU market. However, alternative treatments are available.
Verteporfin: Eye Disease Treatment
Verteporfin, sold as Visudyne and used to treat age-related macular degeneration, has faced limited manufacturing since May 2020, leading to shortages. Although alternatives exist, supplies have been intermittent, with full restocking in Austria expected by late 2025.
The shortage of essential medicines in the EU is a serious public health issue, with various factors contributing to the ongoing supply problems. The European Medicines Agency continues to work with member states to resolve these shortages, and the Critical Medicines Act is one of the key efforts aimed at ensuring more reliable access to vital drugs. Patients and healthcare providers are being urged to seek alternatives wherever possible as the situation is expected to improve over the next several months, but some issues could persist into 2025.