It is becoming increasingly common that medicines are no longer available. Some for months or years, others disappear from the market for good.
The number of medicines that have been definitively withdrawn from the market has doubled since 2004. It is five times more common for medicines to be temporarily unavailable, 200,000 times a week. This is apparent from research by the AD.
This includes antibiotics, ear drops and medicines for cancer patients. Since 2008, insurers have only reimbursed the cheapest medicines that meet the requirements. Because alternatives are not reimbursed, they are increasingly out of stock.
Danger
This can pose a danger to patients. Last month, the professional and trade association of pharmacists reported that the drug Digoxin was no longer available. It is a drug for heart patients and suddenly stopping the drug can be life-threatening.
