The European Union is experiencing severe shortages of critical medicines due to manufacturing issues, rising demand, and supply chain disruptions. These shortages impact patient care and put additional pressure on healthcare systems across Europe.
Key Medicines in Short Supply
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has identified 34 medicines currently facing shortages, with 16 classified as critical by the European Commission. These shortages stem from production halts, unexpected spikes in demand, and manufacturers discontinuing key drugs. To mitigate the crisis, the EU is pushing forward the Critical Medicines Act, which aims to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains and prevent future disruptions.
Shortages of Life-Saving Drugs
Cyanide Poisoning Antidote
Cyanokit, the only EU-approved antidote for cyanide poisoning, remains in short supply. It contains hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12a), which is listed as a critical medicine. Production was suspended in December 2024 due to contamination concerns. However, with no alternatives available, the EMA has permitted continued distribution of existing stock. Authorities estimate that full production will resume by May 2025.
Amoxicillin – A Common Antibiotic
Amoxicillin, widely used for bacterial infections, has faced supply issues since October 2022. Rising respiratory infections have significantly increased demand, while staffing shortages among manufacturers have further constrained production. Although supply has improved in several regions, sporadic shortages persist across Europe.
Inhalers for Respiratory Diseases
Salbutamol inhalers, essential for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continue to face supply challenges. Demand has outpaced production, leading to limited availability. While alternative treatments exist, inconsistent supply remains an issue. Authorities predict these shortages may last until mid-2025.
Diabetes and Cancer Medications at Risk
Insulin Shortages
Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are struggling to access specific insulin types, including Insuman Rapid, Basal, and Comb 25. Production setbacks led to their discontinuation in early 2023. As a result, the EMA has advised doctors to transition patients to alternative brands where possible.
Cancer Drug Shortages
The EU is currently facing shortages of seven key cancer drugs: hycamtin, methotrexate, fludarabine, fluorouracil, cisplatin, fasturtec, and paclitaxel. Manufacturing delays and unexpected demand, particularly for methotrexate injections, have exacerbated the issue. While supply levels are gradually improving for some drugs, healthcare providers are turning to alternative treatments to manage the shortfall.
Additional Critical Medicines Facing Supply Constraints
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Ixiaro, a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis, has been difficult to obtain due to production challenges and increased demand. While the EMA initially expected the shortage to end in January 2025, Irish authorities now project that restocking will occur by April 2025.
Treatment for Blood Disorders
Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys), used to treat chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other blood conditions, has been in short supply due to an unexpected surge in demand. The EMA expects the issue to be resolved later in 2025.
Schizophrenia Medication
Zypadhera (olanzapine), a key medication for schizophrenia, is experiencing intermittent shortages due to manufacturing disruptions affecting the supply of necessary injection needles. Some EU countries are facing supply gaps, although Belgium has managed to secure a limited stock.
Heart Attack Prevention Drug
Integrilin, used to reduce heart attack risks, has been withdrawn from the EU market due to supply issues with its active ingredient, eptifibatide. GlaxoSmithKline halted production, leaving patients reliant on alternative medications.
Eye Disorder Treatment
Verteporfin (Visudyne), a treatment for certain age-related eye conditions, has faced production challenges since May 2020. Austria has secured a limited supply, but full restocking is expected only by the end of 2025.
EU’s Response and Future Measures
The ongoing medicine shortages highlight vulnerabilities in Europe’s pharmaceutical supply chain. The European Commission’s Critical Medicines Act aims to bolster drug production, secure supply chains, and reduce dependency on non-EU manufacturers.
As the EU works to resolve these issues, healthcare professionals urge patients to consult their doctors about alternative treatments if their prescribed medications are unavailable. Regular updates on medicine availability can be found on the European Medicines Agency website.
