In 2023, reports of drug stock shortages increased by 30% compared to the previous year, according to the report from the Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM).
- The ANSM has recorded an increase in reports of stock shortages and risk of stock shortages. There were 4,925 declarations in 2023, compared to 3,761 in 2022.
- 40% of these reports required measures to ensure patient needs were covered.
- The supply of amoxicillin, which experienced a shortage this winter, has improved in recent weeks.
Pharmacists have had difficulty keeping their cabinets well stocked in 2023. ANSM report, published Friday January 26, reveals that reports of stock-outs and risk of stock-outs have increased over the last 12 months.
Out of stock of medicines: an increase of 30% in one year
“In 2023, the ANSM recorded an increase in reports of stock shortages and risk of stock shortages, with 4,925 declarations, compared to 3,761 reports in 2022 and 2,160 in 2021,” indicates the organization in its press release dated January 26.
This represents an increase of 30.9% compared to 2022 and 128% compared to 2021. However, the ANSM points out that the same medicine may be the subject of several declarations during the same year.
Four out of 10 reports required measures to be taken to ensure that patients’ needs were covered, such as limiting the quantities distributed, reserving stock for certain indications or even importing similar medicines from other countries.
The report also reveals that all types of treatments are affected by supply problems. Nevertheless, “cardiovascular drugs, nervous system drugs, anti-infectives and anti-cancer drugs are more particularly represented”underlines the institution.
Amoxicillin: pharmacy supply improves
The publication of this report brings good news: “a gradual improvement in the supply of pharmacies and the distribution of amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid throughout the territory, in particular for pediatric presentations”, have been recorded for several weeks.
But facing the “fragility of the situation”all players in the drug chain are invited to maintain their efforts in order to “to ensure patients have access to their treatments” And “to anticipate supplies now to guarantee coverage of needs at the end of this season” winter.
Furthermore, in view of the epidemiological indicators of winter pathologies such as influenza and gastroenteritis, the system to ensure supply has been extended to other antibiotics, such as azithromycin and pediatric cefpodoxime.
