Gransnet forums

Health

medicines shortages

(48 Posts)
Fleurpepper Fri 14-Apr-23 07:54:46

This was of course predicted because of Brexit, and other factors like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have combined to make this even worse. Saying 'we told you so' brings no comfort, NO comfort at all. This is serious, and will get worse.

Shortages are being experienced in other parts of the world, including EU. But all the countries of the EU will club together to support ansupply each other as a priority, and providers will prefer to supply countries with stronger and more stable currencies and no issues with exporting, be it paperwork or geographical difficulties and extra costs due to crossing the Channel.

youtu.be/0LQ_pqr8bdY

MayBee70 Fri 14-Apr-23 08:35:21

Someone I know has an eye infection and struggled to get the prescribed medication to treat it.

Fleurpepper Fri 14-Apr-23 21:09:25

I tis certainly not good news.

Fleurpepper Fri 14-Apr-23 21:35:34

Strange how some posts just disappear from active?

Hetty58 Fri 14-Apr-23 21:46:16

Fleurpepper - longstanding supply, distribution and manufacturing difficulties are the cause - together with increased demand and overprescribing. Covid and the war in Ukraine haven't helped.

No mention of Brexit at all!

www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/why-is-world-experiencing-medicine-shortages-and-how-can-the-generics-industry-address-supply-challenges/

Foxygloves Fri 14-Apr-23 21:49:43

Fleurpepper

Strange how some posts just disappear from active?

Lack of interest?
Same old, same old?

Fleurpepper Fri 14-Apr-23 21:53:02

Lack of interest? Oh I see. So you don't mind? Wow.

Yes, I acknowledged that there were world shortages caused by many factors. Brexit has not caused this, per se. It will however make it much much worse for the UK for the reasons stated.

Oreo Fri 14-Apr-23 21:55:06

At it again Fleurpepper I see 😂 Brexit Brexit Brexit.

Fleurpepper Fri 14-Apr-23 22:03:06

I do wonder if you have taken the time to watch the video in the link provided? It explains the situation well. 90% of drugs used in the UK are imported, 45 % from the EU.

When there is a world shortage, caused by many factors- who do you think the exporters from the EU and elsewhere will prioritise who gets them? The ones in their alliance, where is it so easy to import-export or those with low currency, difficult, expensive to get to, with loads of red tape? Or those nearby easy and cheap to reach, no issues with currency or red-tape- let alone who have antagonised them ?

Freya5 Sat 15-Apr-23 05:54:10

Hetty58

Fleurpepper - longstanding supply, distribution and manufacturing difficulties are the cause - together with increased demand and overprescribing. Covid and the war in Ukraine haven't helped.

No mention of Brexit at all!

www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/why-is-world-experiencing-medicine-shortages-and-how-can-the-generics-industry-address-supply-challenges/

Ah, but will they listen. No they won't. But thank you.

fiorentina51 Sat 15-Apr-23 08:05:24

There are many reasons for medicine shortages. I recall them happening from time to time when I worked in pharmacy 45 years ago.
This time around the global supply chain is affected. At home a bungling government appears to be a major factor too. This article makes interesting reading. It was written 6 months ago so still relevant I think.

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

MerylStreep Sat 15-Apr-23 08:17:59

Fleurpepper
Have you forgotten that you started a thread on this in January.
A relative in New Zealand has the same problem.

FannyCornforth Sat 15-Apr-23 08:19:28

Fleurpepper

Strange how some posts just disappear from active?

They actually do.

The Active List has been malfunctioning for ages.

For instance, the ‘Hip & Knee Replacement’ thread rarely appears, despite being posted on.

There have been at least three threads (one by me) in Site Stuff about the Active List.

I emailed MN two weeks ago today about it.
I received a reply saying that there was ‘a glitch in the algorithm’ and that they would try to sort it.

FannyCornforth Sat 15-Apr-23 08:20:05

When I say ‘ages’, I mean about two years

Foxygloves Sat 15-Apr-23 09:17:32

MerylStreep

Fleurpepper
Have you forgotten that you started a thread on this in January.
A relative in New Zealand has the same problem.

Third time lucky ? wink

Fleurpepper Sat 15-Apr-23 09:26:38

MerylStreep

Fleurpepper
Have you forgotten that you started a thread on this in January.
A relative in New Zealand has the same problem.

Yes, I did. But as more and more evidence of this is coming to light, I think it is worth talking about, again.

Yes, I have said this- there are world-wide shortages- for reasons which have nothing to do with Brexit. Very clearly said. I'll copy here, including the link to the video which gives more detail.

'Shortages are being experienced in other parts of the world, including EU. But all the countries of the EU will club together to support ansupply each other as a priority, and providers will prefer to supply countries with stronger and more stable currencies and no issues with exporting, be it paperwork or geographical difficulties and extra costs due to crossing the Channel.'

youtu.be/0LQ_pqr8bdY

It is exactly because there are world wide shortages, that the Islands of UK, will be much worse affected, and that IS entirely due to Brexit, and mis-management by the current Government.

Marydoll Sat 15-Apr-23 09:30:44

I have had this problem for the last few years, (nothing new) especially with heart medication. I was without one for two months and in the end had to dissolve a larger dose in water, then drink half. Not exact science!

I have a very large number of drugs to take, I never get all of them, after ordering. Many of them come from Europe!

MerylStreep Sat 15-Apr-23 10:32:14

Foxygloves
God loves a trier 😄

Fleurpepper Sat 15-Apr-23 10:38:00

MerylStreep

Foxygloves
God loves a trier 😄

Honestly? If you think this is a laughing matter, then what can I say? God will love you I suppose, when you keep trying to get your medicines or that of loved ones, and can't. Funny? Really?

Yes, Marydoll, 90% come from abroad, and 45% from EU.

Foxygloves Sat 15-Apr-23 10:54:12

It just seems to me Fleurpepper that by constantly banging the same drum, your warnings and prognostications lose any impact - like the little boy crying “Wolf”, people stop listening

When you have made a valid point you will surely find many with the same opinion.
But having agreed - what happens next?
A pressure group? Petition? Coping strategies?
This is kindly meant, just moaning doesn’t get anybody anywhere.

Fleurpepper Sat 15-Apr-23 12:08:37

Huge difference- there is NO wolf!

Fleurpepper Sat 15-Apr-23 12:30:28

Strategies- I am not sure. Perhaps writing to your MP to express concern would be a start. The Press. And perhaps try and find strategies to get what you need if and when.

With my family, we have discussed how we would deal with some shortages if and when, by sourcing elsewhere.

Lack of interest, same old, same old, and being in total denial of the real issues ahead are not going to help at all. That is for certain. Do you or some of your loved ones depend on essential medicines to stay safe? Several of mine do.

Marydoll Sat 15-Apr-23 12:49:16

No lack of interest here. Quite the opposite, but impossible to source elsewhere, when they are unavailable world wide, as my biologics were and and anyway they require a hospital prescription.

Blossoming Sat 15-Apr-23 12:54:34

Yes I rely on essential meds. Yes I am aware of possible shortages though it hasn’t affected me yet. I am more worried about counterfeit drugs, which has been a global problem for years.

I don’t think discussing it in a chat forum will help. I take action elsewhere.

Dickens Sat 15-Apr-23 13:11:06

Oreo

At it again Fleurpepper I see 😂 Brexit Brexit Brexit.

Austerity, Cost-of-Living hikes, Fuel Price hikes, Ukraine, Covid, NHS problems, social care problems, Brexit, Free-Trade agreements, etc, etc - all these things have an effect on our lives one way or another and to some degree or another.

Why should Brexit, among all of these, not be mentioned? Why should its perceived benefits / negatives not be discussed? It has had an effect on our economy, our politics, our constitution. The dynamics are different, the country operates differently prior to the way it did before leaving the EU.

Give me a logical and good reason why we shouldn't raise the issue - and why those both for and against cannot join in a debate about it.

I think it was a mistake. I have been affected personally - but I only talk about it when I think it's relevant. We have a group that meets regularly in the local pub to chew on political events both national and local, Brexiters don't raise their eyes heavenwards when the subject arises... they come up with, "ah, but have you considered xxx...", or "don't you think that xxx applies...". In other words, they're up for a discussion on it, because they're aware that the wheel's still in spin.

It's almost as if you think it's a topic that should be off limits. Maybe you could ask GN for a "non-Brexit-N&P-forum" grin