Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
426. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the reason a drug (details supplied) is no longer available; when it will be made available again; if he will ensure this occurs as soon as possible in view of concerns of patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53220/18]
View answerThere is currently a temporary shortage of Hydrocortone (hydrocortisone) 10mg tablets in Ireland. The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) for Hydrocortone has notified the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) that the shortage of this medicine is due to manufacturing delays. Supply of the Irish authorised product is expected to resume in January 2019. A letter has been circulated by the MAH to healthcare professionals to advise them of the situation.
In the interim, the Irish market is being supplied on a temporary basis with hydrocortisone 10mg tablets from other markets to meet the needs of Irish patients until supply of the Irish authorised medicine resumes. These medicines are being supplied as exempt medicinal products and can be ordered by pharmacists through Irish wholesalers.
If a patient has any concerns regarding their treatment with this or any other medication, they should discuss this directly with their doctor or pharmacist.
