Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
633. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to difficulties pharmacies in north County Dublin have had in accessing supplies of epilim chronospheres medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5942/22]
View answer660. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to address a shortage of an anti-epileptic medication (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6085/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 633 and 660 together.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) leads in the coordination of efforts by national agencies to manage medicine shortages in Ireland. The Authority has developed a now well-established, multi-stakeholder Medicine Shortages Framework and coordinates all stakeholders to share information in order to prevent or mitigate the impact of medicine shortages when they occur.
The HPRA has not been notified of any shortages relating to the three authorised Epilim Chronosphere medicines. Sanofi, the company that places the product on the market, has confirmed that there are no shortages of the products, nor do they anticipate any imminent shortages. Wholesalers have also confirmed that they have stock of all three Epilim Chonosphere medicines. In the event that any pharmacy is having difficulty obtaining stock from their wholesaler, they can contact Sanofi, who will follow up as appropriate.
The HPRA hosts a list of medicines currently in short supply on its website (http://www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/medicines-information/medicines-shortages) with expected dates for return of supply. The information is made available to assist healthcare professionals in managing medicine shortages when they do arise and lessening the impact that they have on their patients.
Any patient who is affected by a shortage of a medicine is encouraged to speak with their pharmacist or doctor.
