Drug supply levels are above demand, say manufacturers

Chris Chapman


Manufacturers have hit back at allegations of short supply, with figures suggesting drug supply to the UK is greater than demand.

 

Responding to reports from wholesalers that they are unable to source key drugs, industry body the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) released an analysis suggesting drug supply is in excess.

 

Stock shortages were instead caused by 11 per cent of pharmacies “exploiting the system” by diverting UK medicines abroad in a trade worth £30 million a month, the
ABPI said.

 

“The reality is that medicines produced for UK patients are being removed from the UK supply chain,” the ABPI commented.

 

According to IMS data, supply of Xenical, Zyprexa and Cipralex – the three medicines pharmacists reported most difficult to source in the C+D Stock Survey last week – exceeded estimated demand by 8 per cent, 13 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. Supply of immunosuppressant Myfortic, another drug mentioned as being in short supply, was shown to exceed demand by 65 per cent.

 

Emergency supplies of medicines by three manufacturers between January and May increased by 1,156 per cent compared with the same period last year, the ABPI added.

 

Last month the British Association of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers  reported members were unable to supply up to eight in 10 pharmacies because they could not source stock from manufacturers.



Comment on this Story


4  Responses to this Story

1.  Posted by Graham Morris, On 28/08/2009 08:58

Apart from the stated problems associated with the current RP legislation, reduced remuneration, increased retention fees, lack of income from long awaited primary care trust services, increased workloads, direct-to-pharmacy distribution, practice-based commissioning, internet pharmacies, in-store GPs, 100-hour pharmacies, creating SOPs that are never read, jumping through hoops for CPD, EPS, hub and spoke dispensing, robotic dispensing and video linked pharmacists, I would consider becoming a locum. Still glad I’m retired!


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2.  Posted by Keith Howell, On 27/08/2009 17:21

Hilarious! It's reassuring to know that the manufacturers at least have a good sense of humour. But seriously, make some more drugs eh?


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3.  Posted by , On 27/08/2009 16:17

Re Graham Morris - You ought to come out of retirement. You clearly don't appreciate how satisfying it is to finally get through to a CfH helpline number, the feeling of relief when the stock you have ordered comes through when you are below the arbirtary quota and the overwhelaming joy that your profit hasn't been slashed by another unfathomable change in Category M.

Come on Graham, these little rushes of exceitement must more than make up for a steady, reliable income with satisfying customer interaction and friendly support...


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4.  Posted by Graham Morris, On 27/08/2009 13:01

When I first started out in pharmacy I was constantly being visited by company representatives to order a monthly discount parcel through them. These would either arrive direct from the company or would be a transfer order through a chosen wholesaler. It looks as if it is time to re-invent the wheel. At least that way the representative knew our order requirements and could spot sudden increases in turnover. Those who want to "parallel import" drugs out of this country could then be identified and their actions questioned. But, of course, this would cost the companies money in setting up such a system. So, in essence, it's much easier to cause pharmacists real supply problems and let patients suffer. Glad I'm retired!


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