Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
1844. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health for an update on the shortage of named medicine (details supplied); the measures in place to source this medication; if he will confirm the efforts being made to source this vital medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35373/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSandoz Pharmaceuticals d.d., the company responsible for supplying Estradot transdermal patches, has notified the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) of a shortage of Estradot 50 micrograms/24 hours transdermal patches, in addition to the 37.5 micrograms/24 hours, 75 micrograms/24 hours, and 100 micrograms/24 hours transdermal patches, due to a manufacturing delay. This delay is impacting multiple markets.
The shortage began in July 2024 for all presentations, with the exception of the notified shortage of Estradot 75 micrograms/24 hours which began on 26th June 2024. The HPRA is awaiting further information from the company on the anticipated resupply date (for all presentations referenced).
A previous shortage of Estradot 50 micrograms/24 hours, transdermal patches ended on 1st March 2024.
Shortages of medicines are unfortunately features of modern healthcare systems worldwide, with the causes ranging from unexpected increases in demand to manufacturing issues. However, please be assured that managing and mitigating shortages of medicines is the subject of several workstreams both in the Department of Health in Ireland and the EU.
Ireland has a multi-stakeholder medicine shortage framework in place which is operated by the HPRA, our medicines regulator, on behalf of the Department of Health, which aims to help prevent potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages on patients by co-ordinating the management of potential or actual shortages across the health service as they arise.
I understand that shortages of medicines can cause a great deal of stress for patients and their healthcare professionals alike. Thusly, my Department would advise that patients who are concerned about their medicine(s) and their availability speak to their prescribing physician, who will be able to discuss alternatives for them.
