Australian patients struggle as TGA identifies shortage of over 400 medications
- Replies 15
In a development with potentially far-reaching consequences, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has revealed that over 400 medications across Australia are currently facing a severe shortage.
This alarming situation was first highlighted in April when a critical shortage of basic medicines came to light. Essential drugs like Amoxicillin syrup for bacterial infections, antidepressants, and cholesterol-lowering medications were reported to have been in dangerously short supply.
Now, the crisis has escalated to the point where even life-saving medications are running perilously low.
Consider the case of Natalie Sinclair, a Melbourne resident living with Addison's disease, who relies on a specific hormone medication to sustain her life. But when the drug Hysone ran out earlier this year, she was left panicking.
As she recalled, 'It was pretty terrifying. There was no stock and no explanation as to why there's no stock.'
Without her medication, which provides the vital hormone cortisol, Natalie's body could spiral into a 'crisis state', eventually leading to a complete shutdown and then a heart attack.
This sort of thing isn't an isolated case, either. In fact, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has listed 428 drugs as 'in short supply' and 46 as 'critical', and the number of drugs expected to be in short supply has been increasing over the last few years.
But while the TGA suggests that these shortages can be easily remedied with substitutes, the public isn't convinced.
Tasmanian pharmacist Judy Lam pointed out the practicalities and safety concerns of switching drugs. She explained, 'There are problems with safety and compliance when using alternatives, and it often leaves patients and pharmacies out of pocket.'
It's also challenging for pharmacies to remain profitable when some of the drugs with a shorter shelf life have to be thrown away due to reduced demand from patients who can't afford the substitutes.
Not to mention the potential for side effects from substituting medications, which may not be completely compatible with any available alternatives.
Judi Adams, a pancreatic cancer patient, experienced similar issues, with alternative versions of her necessary medication 'breaking down in humidity' and being 'completely unpalatable'.
Michael Ryan, a pharmaceutical consultant and author of a paper on industry reform for the Australian Health Review, pointed out that most active drug ingredients are manufactured in only two countries: India and China.
As he explained, 'If there's any disruption in either of these two countries or at any of their sites, it can significantly impact the entire supply chain.'
He suggested ways in which the government can address this issue, such as issuing tenders to drug companies that can guarantee lower prices and more reliable supply, in addition to using data for more accurate demand prediction.
Ultimately, however, the responsibility lies with drug manufacturers.
The TGA has a database for reporting medicine shortages, which includes information about shortages of reportable medicines in Australia, including those resulting from product discontinuations.
To search for all shortages and discontinuations related to a particular medicine, enter the active ingredient or trade (brand) name into the search field. You can then click on the active ingredient or trade name for more information about the shortage of interest.
Feel free to visit the website and check if your medications are listed.
Members, we want to hear from you! Are you currently relying on a medication that you know is in short supply? Has this scarcity impacted your ability to get the treatment you need? Your thoughts, opinions, and personal experiences are invaluable, so please join the conversation and share your insights on this topic with us below.
This alarming situation was first highlighted in April when a critical shortage of basic medicines came to light. Essential drugs like Amoxicillin syrup for bacterial infections, antidepressants, and cholesterol-lowering medications were reported to have been in dangerously short supply.
Now, the crisis has escalated to the point where even life-saving medications are running perilously low.
Consider the case of Natalie Sinclair, a Melbourne resident living with Addison's disease, who relies on a specific hormone medication to sustain her life. But when the drug Hysone ran out earlier this year, she was left panicking.
As she recalled, 'It was pretty terrifying. There was no stock and no explanation as to why there's no stock.'
Without her medication, which provides the vital hormone cortisol, Natalie's body could spiral into a 'crisis state', eventually leading to a complete shutdown and then a heart attack.
More than 400 medications in Australia are currently in 'short supply', according to the TGA. Credit: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska.
This sort of thing isn't an isolated case, either. In fact, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has listed 428 drugs as 'in short supply' and 46 as 'critical', and the number of drugs expected to be in short supply has been increasing over the last few years.
But while the TGA suggests that these shortages can be easily remedied with substitutes, the public isn't convinced.
Tasmanian pharmacist Judy Lam pointed out the practicalities and safety concerns of switching drugs. She explained, 'There are problems with safety and compliance when using alternatives, and it often leaves patients and pharmacies out of pocket.'
It's also challenging for pharmacies to remain profitable when some of the drugs with a shorter shelf life have to be thrown away due to reduced demand from patients who can't afford the substitutes.
Not to mention the potential for side effects from substituting medications, which may not be completely compatible with any available alternatives.
Judi Adams, a pancreatic cancer patient, experienced similar issues, with alternative versions of her necessary medication 'breaking down in humidity' and being 'completely unpalatable'.
Michael Ryan, a pharmaceutical consultant and author of a paper on industry reform for the Australian Health Review, pointed out that most active drug ingredients are manufactured in only two countries: India and China.
As he explained, 'If there's any disruption in either of these two countries or at any of their sites, it can significantly impact the entire supply chain.'
He suggested ways in which the government can address this issue, such as issuing tenders to drug companies that can guarantee lower prices and more reliable supply, in addition to using data for more accurate demand prediction.
Ultimately, however, the responsibility lies with drug manufacturers.
The TGA has a database for reporting medicine shortages, which includes information about shortages of reportable medicines in Australia, including those resulting from product discontinuations.
To search for all shortages and discontinuations related to a particular medicine, enter the active ingredient or trade (brand) name into the search field. You can then click on the active ingredient or trade name for more information about the shortage of interest.
Feel free to visit the website and check if your medications are listed.
Members, we want to hear from you! Are you currently relying on a medication that you know is in short supply? Has this scarcity impacted your ability to get the treatment you need? Your thoughts, opinions, and personal experiences are invaluable, so please join the conversation and share your insights on this topic with us below.
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