Shortages of anti-anxiety pills, antibiotics, and cough syrups continue

An analysis found that 38% of out-of-stock medicines have one supplier, which differs from the rest of Europe where 25% of medicines have one supplier typically.

Vital medicines including antibiotics and Xanax continue to be in short supply in Ireland, with 248 such drugs now on the shortages list — a 48% rise over a year. 

Among medications in short supply are commonly used tablets to treat anxiety including 250mcg Xanax tablets and an injection emulsion containing Diazepam, with generic replacements also in short stock. Manufacturing and shipping delays have been blamed.