Shortage of medicines all over Europe - a big concern

Hetty58

It's just the same old supply, ingredient and manufacturing difficulties that we've had for several years. There's nothing new about it, although demand for antibiotics and paracetamol is high right now, due to winter illnesses. A lot of demand is not need-related, though

It started quite a while ago, you are right. It is not getting much worse, and that is very new.

The more shortages elsewhere, the more the pressure on supplies to the UK, for all sorts of reasons stated before.

argymargy

Individuals are also stockpiling, which can exacerbate shortages.

Perhaps for non prescription drugs, but my prescription medication usage is monitored, there is no way, I could stockpile. I'm sure others on here are the same.
I once ordered a few days early and they were refused and prescribed when they were actually due.

mokryna

Joseanne agree but don’t a forget doctor’s prescription incase she is stopped.

Not for paracetamol.

Individuals are also stockpiling, which can exacerbate shortages.

It's just the same old supply, ingredient and manufacturing difficulties that we've had for several years. There's nothing new about it, although demand for antibiotics and paracetamol is high right now, due to winter illnesses. A lot of demand is not need-related, though

Joseanne agree but don’t a forget doctor’s prescription incase she is stopped.

Is it because other diseases that went away during lockdown restrictions are now rearing their heads again and making a comeback? So all of a sudden there is a big surge in demand worldwide?

My DD is visiting France next month at half term with her children and has picked up on the fact that infant paracetamol is in very short supply over there. She will take a couple of 100ml bottles with her from the UK.

MerylStreep

How does Switzerland have a shortage of medicine because of
Covid, the lockdown in China, the war in Ukraine.
But we have a shortage because of Brexit.

www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/switzerland-experiencing-medicine-shortages-says-pharmacists-association-2022-11-25/

I saw a report on this last year and was concerned as a medicine I take was produced in Switzerland but I believe production is outsourced now.
www.iamexpat.ch/expat-info/swiss-expat-news/switzerland-facing-shortage-medicine-due-supply-and-production-issues

I wish. Perhaps the next Government will be able to re-negotiate more frictionless supply and better cooperation with neighbours. Not going to be easy though.

Fleurpepper

Absolutely nothing to do with Schadenfreude, or carping???
Reality is what it is. And facing it so we can try and work to find solutions.

Any ideas on some solutions?

That's good news. Mine was late, but I have it now, and it should last a while, as I have the other two for prevention - the Ventolin is really only for when they fail and I need backup.

Re. Ventolin inhalers

I visited my GP surgery this afternoon to enquire about y inhaler issue.
I was told by the receptionist that a replacement was waiting at the pharmacy, so I hope to collet it tomorrow

Same for staff, in many ways, be they doctors, nurses, carers, or any other sector.

Yes, I have said there are worldwide shortages. But that for many reasons, the UK is being affected even more (partly because it is world wide... pushing prices up, and giving large, united negotiation groups and regions without transport and import issues where goods can flow without friction, and with higher currencies- priority).

My pharmacy told me there is a shortage of paracetamol, some antibiotics and cough medicine. Things were bad several weeks ago when certain pharmacies were given permission to make up quantities on their premises.
The medicine I use I had to wait several weeks for, prednisolone, and the one for eczema I have given up and have had to use another make.

The Spanish, Danish & Swedish branches of the family are having similar problems, what do you think is causing them Fleurpepper ?

Absolutely nothing to do with Schadenfreude, or carping???
Reality is what it is. And facing it so we can try and work to find solutions.

Fleurpepper

MawtheMerrier

And as I see it the one (maybe 2) common factor(s) worldwide are Covid and the global economic crisis.

You are certainly trying very hard - yes, there are worldwide issues, which are much worse for the UK. the more difficulties elsewhere, the more competition- For price, and ease of distribution, etc.

Denial will not help at all.

No Fleurpepper I am not in denial. I freely admit there is much that was much better in the heady, positive days of eg the run up to the 2012 Olympics.
And there may be much I could take issue with today - no coffee stalls at MK station this morning - they all seem to have closed down - 😱😱, the dirtiest trains I have seen since the bad old days of British Railways, delays and cancellations all over the place .
BUT
Despite my German background, Schadenfreude is not in my nature. I refuse to take pleasure in the misfortune of others or to gloat over political shortcomings or wrong decisions of the more recent past.
So, I will not moan and beat my breast or witter on saying “I told you so” , my nature is to gird my loins , take a deep breath and work out how I can still make the best of it - and do the best I can.
Times may be hard, but they have been harder
So let’s have less carping, less Schadenfreude, less negativity. No?

I have said that there is a shortage all over the world. But that Brexit makes it more acute for UK, as explained very clearly above.

How does Switzerland have a shortage of medicine because of
Covid, the lockdown in China, the war in Ukraine.
But we have a shortage because of Brexit.

www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/switzerland-experiencing-medicine-shortages-says-pharmacists-association-2022-11-25/

The problem is Fleurpepper that you can’t resist sensationalising.

Yes, there are worldwide drug supply issues, yes, it’s a disadvantage that the UK is no longer in the EU, yes our economy is in a mess. But we aren’t bankrupt, and people know what to do - there’s no need for hysteria or frightening people with half cocked information.

There are competent professionals who are doing everything they can to maintain supplies and to highlight the deficits in planning and contracting with the government. You need to highlight the actions as well as the problems in a balanced discussion.

pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/fixing-the-uks-medicines-shortage-crisis

From the BMJ a couple of months ago

''The report, Health and Brexit: Six Years On,1 said that Brexit had added “fuel to the fire” of severe challenges facing the UK’s health and social care services, including problems with the supply of drugs and medical devices. Although other countries had also seen shortages, they have been particularly prolonged in the UK, most likely because of the falling value of sterling and trade barriers associated with Brexit.''

Fleurpepper

The UK has many problems other EU countries do not have. No longer part of the massive and influential European Medicines Agency, that are able to negotiate en masse. The UK has problems with red tape and import and exports via Europe, as well as transport issues. All directly linked to Brexit.

The UK also has issues with the tanking pound, which has lost so much value due to exchange rate. The UK has to pay much more than other countries just due to low Sterling value.

You must be so relieved - or do you live here now?

In which case I'd ask why would you? Just why?

Casdon

Fleurpepper

Casdon

Fleurpepper

The UK has many problems other EU countries do not have. No longer part of the massive and influential European Medicines Agency, that are able to negotiate en masse. The UK has problems with red tape and import and exports via Europe, as well as transport issues. All directly linked to Brexit.

The UK also has issues with the tanking pound, which has lost so much value due to exchange rate. The UK has to pay much more than other countries just due to low Sterling value.

That article states what we already know though Fleurpepper, it doesn’t say that the situation is ‘much worse’ in the UK, it acknowledges that many countries are having similar issues. I’m not defending Brexit, it was a disaster, and will have a definite impact on supply - but you are using hyperbole which is not backed up by evidence to describe the reality of the situation.

Are you sure you have read the article???

No, I’m a numpty. I can’t read.

😂😂😂
I can only rite.

Here's one I rote earlier.

It's a worldwide problem and it's not new.

Applicable too in a different way to staff, be they doctors, nurses, carers ...

(and all the other non NHS linked professions).