According to a report published on Friday January 26 by the Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM), difficulties in the supply of medicines in France have continued to worsen in 2023, approaching 5,000 reports of stock shortages and the risk of shortages.
In total, the ANSM recorded 4,925 reports last year, compared to 3,761 in 2022, an increase of 30.9%. They more than doubled (+128%) compared to the 2,160 reports received in 2021, the organization said in a press release. The ANSM recalls in its press release that the same medicine could be the subject of several reports in the same year from people involved in the distribution of the products.
If “All drug classes are affected”the agency emphasizes, “Cardiovascular drugs, drugs for the nervous system, anti-infectives and cancer drugs are particularly represented”.
Multiple and recurring problems
The problem has been recurring for several years and affects many countries. The causes are diverse: “Difficulties in producing raw materials or finished products, defects in the quality of medicines, insufficient production capacity, fragmentation of manufacturing steps, etc. », lists the ANSM. Added to this is the increasing need for medication against the background of an aging population.
Regarding the most common antibiotic, amoxicillin, the ANSM states “There has been a gradual improvement in care for several weeks” Pharmacies and wholesalers “across the field, especially for pediatric presentations”.
The actors in the pharmaceutical chain (industrialists, depository banks, wholesalers and distributors, community and hospital pharmacists) are nevertheless called upon to continue their efforts and “Expect deliveries now to ensure demand is met at the end of this season” Winter. For other antibiotics “such as azithromycin and pediatric cefpodoxime”However, the situation has become more fragile and manufacturers have also been asked to release their stocks, adds the ANSM.
All stakeholders committed to a Charter of Good Practices in the autumn to share their data on medicines availability under the auspices of the ANSM.
