Supply Problems in Pharmacies
Spanish pharmacies face a persistent supply problem that is affecting more than 800 medicines. According to the Online Information Center for Authorized Medicines (CIM) of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (Aemps), there are 823 drugs that are difficult to obtain in pharmacies due to shortages. Both the Ministry of Health and the pharmacies try to reassure the population by ensuring that, in most cases, there are alternatives available to ensure that no patient is left without the necessary treatment.
Medicines With Difficulties in Obtaining
Medicines in short supply include Ozempic, used to treat diabetes, and Trulicity, which helps lower sugar levels. Other drugs such as Efferalgan, Voltaren, Lexatin, Flutox, several brands of Ibuprofen, Eridosis, Sebiprox, and Conserta are also difficult to find in pharmacies in recent months.
Perspectives and Response to the Situation
Despite the difficulties, pharmacists say that the situation has improved slightly compared to the past. The AEMPS recognizes that it is a serious problem, but denies that it is a public health crisis, since the number of people affected is very small. In addition, they point out that a year ago the list of drugs with difficulties in obtaining exceeded a thousand, while now it only exceeds 800. Pharmacists also point out that 90% of problematic drugs have easy alternatives to replace, and only in in exceptional cases the patient is referred to the doctor for a new prescription.
