Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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356. To ask the Minister for Health the reason pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of ipramol; the measures being taken to ensure there is a significant supply in pharmacies and hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26041/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Teva B.V., the company responsible for supplying Ipramol Steri-Neb Nebuliser Solution, has notified of a shortage of Ipramol Steri-Neb 0.5mg/2.5mg per 2.5ml Nebuliser Solution due to a manufacturing delay impacting multiple markets, not just Ireland. The company anticipates resupply of Ipramol Steri-Neb Nebuliser Solution on 15th July 2024.

I recognise that medicine shortages can be challenging for patients, carers, healthcare professionals and their teams. 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 multi-stakeholder 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. The HPRA maintains a list of current and resolved shortages on its . The webpage is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information.

In the event that patients or their carers are unable to source a medicine, they are advised to discuss possible alternatives with their doctor pending the resumption of normal supply

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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357. To ask the Minister for Health the reason over-the-counter probiotic berberine is now unavailable and only available as a prescription or over the counter in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26042/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Awaiting reply from Department.