With the DP-rupture software, the Order of Pharmacists listed 539 drugs in difficulty of supply. These stockouts pose real problems for patients and dispensaries.
“Difficulties in the supply of medicines are a problem which will unfortunately become more and more increasing. This global phenomenon is very difficult to resolve ”. This is the observation of Isabelle Adenot, president of the Order of pharmacists, concerning the last shortages of stocks observed in recent days by the pilot software DP-rupture. A “conclusive” experience, according to her. Contacted by why actor, the president of the Order explains the interest of such a device.
539 missing drugs according to the Order
Thanks to the DP-rupture software, the Order of Pharmacists recorded 539 drugs in difficulty of supply. The Medicines Agency (ANSM), for its part, lists only 45 missing specialties. Why such a difference? To draw up its balance sheet, the Agency only lists emergency supplies and declarations linked to a shortage of essential drugs.
Conversely, the DP-rupture used by the Order is an alert system allowing pharmacists to send instantaneous information to the laboratory as well as to the ANSM in the event of a rupture in their orders. It is therefore a photograph that is closer to reality. But the software is also likely to list missing drugs that can be easily replaced in pharmacies. Result, to each his own method, to each his own figures. But, according to Isabelle Adenot, this “bickering” over the numbers does not change the situation. For the President of the Order, the phenomenon of out of stock is “absolutely considerable”.
Listen to Isabelle Adenot, President of the Order of Pharmacists: ” 539 drugs are affected by supply disruptions. It is absolutely considerable! “
Out of stock is always a problem for the pharmacist
All these drugs out of stock, listed by the Order, are not all essential and most can, it is true, be replaced by a product of another brand or a generic. But this problem is not “trivial”, according to the president of the Order. Because the substitution that follows often becomes a headache for pharmacists.
In addition, in these situations, patients are also confused by substitutions which are no longer motivated by the desire to develop the sale of generic products. According to the ANSM, nervous system drugs (18%), anti-infectives (17%) and anticancer drugs (11%) are the most affected classes.
Listen to Isabelle Adenot : ” Out of stock is always a problem. To both the patient, the pharmacist, and the prescriber. And even on a non-essential drug… “
The experience of DP-rupture will be generalized
The DP-rupture is a pilot experiment carried out in 200 pharmacies. This new computer alert system enables pharmacists to provide instant feedback to the laboratory and to the ANSM in the event of a break in their orders. This software used by the Order of Pharmacists was created “thanks to a partnership with all the health authorities and the Ministry of Health”, recalls Isabelle Adenot. And as the experience is positive, for the Order, the system will be extended in duration and extended to other pharmacies. Ultimately, DP-rupture should even be generalized to all French pharmacies.
Listen to Isabelle Adenot : ” The experience of DP-rupture will be broadened. And in three months, the software will probably be generalized to all pharmacies in France… “
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