A warning from pharmacists that the shortage of certain medicines in the Republic poses a significant risk to patient health cannot be ignored. Results from a recent survey of pharmacists carried out by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) confirm the problem is a nationwide one. Over half of those surveyed believe the health of their patients has been adversely affected by medicine shortages.

This inability to source prescribed medications is not new. In 2012, the then president of the IPU told its annual conference that pharmacists and patients had been distressed by medicine shortages. The latest example is the shortage of Eltroxin, a drug used to treat thyroid problems, a common disorder. It is not acceptable in this day and age that the health of some patients is compromised due to a shortage of medicines, Rory O Donnell said.

It is unacceptable to find the thyroid hormone replacement drug is also on the latest list of medicines in short supply. Eltroxin is widely prescribed for people with an underactive thyroid. It is an essential medicine that replaces a hormone the body no longer manufactures. Once diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the patient can expect to take Eltroxin for the rest of their lives. Left without the drug for a number of weeks, people are at risk of cardiac and psychological problems that may require hospital admission.

The most recent list of medicines in short supply includes Epilim, a drug used to treat epilepsy. Levels of the drug in the bloodstream drop quickly if the medication is not taken regularly, leading to a return of seizures. Lyrica, a drug used to treat nerve-induced pain and Cymbalta, an antidepressant, are also difficult to source in Ireland.

A number of possible causes of the supply problem have been mooted. Whatever the reasons, they must be addressed. Ensuring that a definitive solution for the perennial problem with the supply of essential medicines is found is basic preventive health.

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Medicine shortages