Limerick pharmacies experiencing shortages of more than 400 medications

WITH more than 400 medicines in short supply across the city and county and nationwide, the job of the pharmacist is now almost as much about logistics and stock control as it is about medical advice.

According to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), there are currently 420 medicines in short supply across the country.

The reasons for the shortages include unexpected increases in demand, manufacturing delays and regulatory issues.

The Limerick Leader spoke to pharmacists in Castletroy, Limerick city and Ballylanders and all reported that shortages of HRT - to relieve the symptoms of menopause, have now settled, but there are issues with ADHD medication, eye drops, Ozempic, and certain antidepressants, among others.

Pharmacist Michael O’Mahony of McCormack’s pharmacy in Ballylanders said there is something in short supply “every second day.”

He said a big part of their job is to “keep on top of paperwork, try to get in stock and it’s a constant worry if we will have enough for this month.”

Mr O’Mahony added: “I could spend an hour a day chasing things up and doing stock control - it’s now a big aspect of our day.”

A Castletroy pharmacist said that in some instances increased demand is putting pressure on the supply chain, saying “we’re not getting enough.”

She added that treatment for scabies can be very hard to get, particularly with students if there is a surge around the time term starts again and that getting some medicines on allocation causes difficulties.

A city-based pharmacist said there “are a lot of shortages” and that an exact number is hard to quantify.

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The IPU is currently trying to push through a serious shortage protocol under the Health Miscellaneous Bill, so that the legislation would be flexible enough for pharmacists to find solutions for patients.

According to the latest IPU survey, 84% of Irish pharmacies have experienced shortages over the past 12 months, while Irish community pharmacists are spending almost five hours a week managing medicine shortages. In 2018, they would have spent about five to ten hours a month on the same task.

IPU’s head of strategic policy, Claire Fitzell said: “Behind each medicine that is in short supply are patients who need them for their health and wellbeing. Medicine availability issues have potential to impact medical conditions and can create considerable stress and inconvenience to patients.”