Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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RPH Pharmaceuticals AB, the company that places Betnesol Eye, Ear and Nasal Drops and Betnesol-N Eye, Ear and Nasal Drops on the market has advised of a recent shortages of the products due to a manufacturing delay. The company has confirmed that supply of both products in Ireland will resume during the week beginning 18^th March 2024. Multiple countries, not just Ireland is affected by this shortage.

Unfortunately, medicine shortages are a feature of modern health systems worldwide which have been exacerbated by recent worldwide events. There are a multitude of reasons why a medicine may not be available including: shortages of raw materials; manufacturing difficulties; sudden unexpected increase in demand; or product recalls due to potential quality issues.

Ireland has a multistakeholder medicine shortage framework in place, coordinated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), to prevent, wherever possible, and to manage medicine shortages when they occur. The Department of Health maintains regular contact with the HPRA regarding medicines shortages.

Patients who have any concerns about availability of their medication are encouraged to speak to their GP or pharmacist, as in many cases, alternative medications may be available.