reports of shortages or risks of stock shortages rising sharply in 2023

According to the Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM), reports have increased by more than 30% compared to 2022.

The difficulties in supplying medicines have further worsened in 2023 in France, approaching 5,000 reports of stock shortages and risks of shortages, according to a report from the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) published Friday January 26. In total, the ANSM recorded 4,925 declarations last year, compared to 3,761 in 2022, an increase of 30.9%. These reports more than doubled (+128%) compared to the 2,160 reports received in 2021.

The same medicine may be the subject of several reports by those involved in the distribution of products during the same year, recalls the ANSM in its press release. If “all classes of drugs are affected”underlines the agency, “cardiovascular drugs, nervous system drugs, anti-infectives and anti-cancer drugs are more particularly represented”.

The situation is improving for amoxicillin

The problem has been recurring for several years and affects many countries. Its causes are multiple: “Difficulties encountered during the manufacture of raw materials or finished products, quality defects on medicines, insufficient production capacity, fragmentation of manufacturing stages, etc.”, lists the ANSM. Added to this is the increasing need for medicines against a backdrop of aging populations.

Concerning the most common antibiotic, amoxicillin, the ANSM notes “for several weeks there has been a gradual improvement in supply” pharmacies and wholesalers-distributors “across the country, particularly for pediatric presentations”. For other antibiotics“such as azithromycin and pediatric cefpodoxime”However, the situation has become more fragile and manufacturers have also been asked to release their stocks, adds the ANSM.