Drug shortages are huge! European Commission publishes list of critical medicines

Lacks of drugs happen not only in Poland but besides throughout Europe. For the first time in history, the European Commission has published a list of critical medicines containing as many as 200 medicinal substances.

The aim of this action is to guarantee that patients and doctors do not gotta put themselves before the dramatic question where to find medicines to save wellness and in many cases even life. Experts from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and from applicable national authorities were active in drawing up the list.

An in-depth review of all active substances contained in medicines was carried out, choosing the 600 most crucial European and national wellness care systems to draw up a list of 200 substances key to public health. The EU list is to be expanded in 2024 and to be updated annually. The thought of drawing up specified a list stems from experience gained from the COVID-19 pandemic erstwhile supply chains were broken, and the pharmacies faced shortages of even basic drugs like paracetamol. The word ‘critical medicines’ was then defined as those essential to keep the continuity of treatment and to guarantee advanced quality healthcare in Europe.

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The publication of the Union list will not affect existing or emerging national lists of critical medicines; it is intended only to supplement them. Putting the medicine on the list does not automatically mean that it will be missing in the future, but requires any preventive action. For patients and doctors, the introduction of the list has no direct impact on the treatment process, as medicines on it can inactive be prescribed and utilized as standard.

However, changes to the EU pharmaceutical government are planned, including additional requirements for the reporting of drug turnover by the companies liable for their distribution. This aims to improve the control of the trading of essential medicines. Due to the seriousness of the problem of shortages of medicines, despite differences between EU countries, an alliance has been established across divisions, resulting in the creation of a Steering Group on Deficiency and Product Safety (MSSG). This group monitors the circulation of medicines in EU associate States.

The deficiency of drugs has become peculiarly urgent after a fast increase in respiratory tract infections across the EU in the winter of 2022-23, resulting in a crucial increase in the request for antibiotics, especially in children. In July, the MSSG issued peculiar recommendations on the availability of key antibiotics utilized to treat respiratory tract infections in autumn and winter 2023-24.

The EU list of critical medicines presently includes substances utilized to treat various diseases, including the gastrointestinal, metabolic, cardiovascular, hormonal, infectious, anticancer, antiepileptic, anti-anxiety, analgesic, psychotropic, stimulating and vaccines. This list may be expanded in the future depending on needs, subject to yearly updates.