Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1500. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the way that the Government is actively addressing the serious shortage of penicillin-based antibiotics along with a significant number of additional high-level drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1486/23]

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1504. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on the work that is being undertaken by his Department with respect to the reported shortage of medicines within the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1498/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1500 and 1504 together.

Due to a combination of factors, including the level of respiratory illnesses in the community, a significant increase in demand for medicines used to treat seasonal conditions such as colds and flu has been observed over recent weeks. In some cases, this demand has been 2-3 times the average level seen during the same period in previous years. The Department of Health has been advised that from discussions with suppliers and regulators in other countries, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) understands that similar trends have been observed in other European countries that have experienced significant demand increases.

The HPRA has been engaging with all stakeholders, including suppliers, to ensure a coordinated response to this increased demand. The key focus at all times has been to ensure that suitable medicines remain available to treat patients.

In the case of medicines used most often in Ireland, there are typically multiple forms, strengths, brands, and generic medicines available from various sources. Where some individual medicines are in short supply, alternative options such as alternative strengths, brands, and generic medicines remain available to ensure continuity of treatment. In some cases where the medicine initially prescribed for the patient is unavailable, patients may be switched to a suitable therapeutic alternative following appropriate consultation with a healthcare professional. This approach is also consistent with national antimicrobial prescribing guidelines.

Suitable medicines continue to be available to treat respiratory illnesses and their symptoms in both adults and children. Taking into account the wide range of available medicines to treat respiratory illnesses, there is no need for healthcare professionals to order extra quantities of medicines, or for doctors to issue additional prescriptions. Similarly, patients and the general public are asked not to seek supplies of medicines over and above their normal requirements. Doing so will disrupt existing stock levels and hamper the supply of medicines for others.

Further to the HPRA’s regular and ongoing engagement with industry, they have been informed that in a number of instances suppliers have increased production and sourced additional stock to respond to this recent increase in demand. Although the HPRA has no role in procuring medicines, they continue to engage with the suppliers to obtain updates and remain open to expediting regulatory procedures to enable the supply of additional stock, where possible.

Regarding antibiotic supply, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has developed a dedicated webpage providing advice for GPs, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals on managing common respiratory infections during the 2022/2023 winter season. This information, which includes updates on antibiotic supply, will be updated daily by the HSE in consultation with the HPRA based on information from suppliers. For example, in recent days supply has resumed for additional antibiotics and the HSE webpage and the medicines shortages webpage on the HPRA’s website have been updated to reflect this.

The HSE has also issued a memo to healthcare professionals regarding the clinical use of the medicines, including prescribing options. In addition, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) has communicated to pharmacists, updating them on the situation and reminding them about the necessity to ensure the ongoing appropriate, rational and safe use of medicines used to treat respiratory illnesses and their symptoms.

Link to HSE webpage:

Respiratory Infections 2023 Winter Season: Advice & Antibiotic Supply - HSE.ie

The HPRA publishes a list of medicines currently in short supply on its website with the reason for the shortage and expected dates for the return of supply. This information can be found here: www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/medicines-information/medicines-shortages