Almost 240 medications in short supply, including diabetes and ADHD treatments

Pharmacists offer alternatives when safe to do so, which can mean medication approved for sale in Europe but not licensed specifically for Ireland is prescribed. File picture

There are now 238 medicines in short supply in Ireland, including treatments for diabetes, blood pressure, and depression, as health authorities defend efforts to tackle the “challenging” problem.

Among shortages reported to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) are Ipramol, given for breathing difficulties, and seven anti-depressants containing sertraline.

Patients with ADHD face difficulties finding seven medications containing atomoxetine and four containing methylphenidate. 

A commonly-used antibiotic, amoxicillin, is in short supply, as are some ibuprofen tablets.

Pharmacists offer alternatives when safe to do so, which can mean medication approved for sale in Europe but not licensed specifically for Ireland is prescribed.

One woman in Cork said she received new blood pressure medication where the instruction leaflet was in Italian only. 

The pharmacist had explained how to take the medication, but she was surprised to see no back-up leaflet in English.

In other cases, people are given one week’s supply of tablets even though their prescription might be for four weeks. 

This is part of an effort to ensures vulnerable patients are not left without any.

Others are given medication in different sizes, with some pharmacists now using social media to demonstrate how to cut hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches, for example. 

The HPRA has insisted that “appropriate alternative treatments are generally available” for patients, despite the shortages. 

Seven types of HRT for menopause treatment are also in short supply. File picture: Anna Watson/Alamy

“Each notified shortage does not represent an absolute risk to patients. It is a signal or risk factor,” a HPRA spokeswoman said.

She said the problem is “a global phenomenon” but acknowledged “the situation regarding medicine shortages remains challenging”.

Asked about use of products with advice leaflets in foreign languages only, she pointed to legislation which allows these substitutions. 

The HPRA said it is actively involved with European efforts to resolve these shortages, including a focus on gaps in supply chains.

EU pharmaceutical legislation is also under review. 

One proposal is for a list of critical medicines matched with ‘shortage prevention plans’ from manufacturers.

Ozempic — used for diabetes but now also popularly used for weight-loss — is expected to face “intermittent supply issues” this year, the spokeswoman said.

The manufacturer now makes “monthly allocations to help ensure continuity of supply” to patients here.

Seven types of HRT for menopause treatment are also in short supply. 

The spokeswoman pointed to “a significant increase in demand and manufacturing issues which are limiting the ability to meet this increased demand”. 

"The current status is that HRT medicines are generally available.”