Shortage of ibuprofen and paracetamol due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

The supply of medicines, including fundamental medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, could also be impacted by the Iran-Contra conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. These medications are more scarce than the former, including both sachets and hospital-grade versions. The reason for this is that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical logistical route for the transportation of the active ingredients required to manufacture these medications. For instance, the primary producers of raw materials and active constituents for paracetamol, India and China, transport these materials to Europe via maritime routes that traverse the Middle East.

The list of medications with supply issues is once again approaching 900, and they are not the only ones. In addition to occasional shortages of the two aforementioned drugs, there is a shortage of hormonal sprays that are typically prescribed for the effects of menopause and some eye drops for glaucoma in certain pharmacies in the province of Alicante. These shortages are expected to worsen due to international instability, as predicted by specialists.

In March, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), which is under the Ministry of Health and publishes daily alerts regarding shortages that occasionally affect widely used drugs, warned of a long-term supply shortage of ibuprofen arginine granules for oral solution, under the brands Comadrol and Farmalid, in packs of 40 sachets. The date for the resumption of the regular supply of this well-known anti-inflammatory has not been established. The identical laboratory, Farmalider SA, is responsible for the marketing of both medications.

Formulations

It is not the sole instance; six additional presentations are currently affected, bringing the total to eight for ibuprofen alone, just one month later. These include Kern Pharma 600 mg effervescent granules (20 sachets), which are expected to reach normalisation in October; Cinfa 600 mg film-coated tablets (40 tablets), which are subject to an alert that expires on May 15; Zentiva 400 mg film-coated tablets (30 tablets), which are expected to reach normalisation in June; Kern Pharma 600 mg effervescent granules (40 sachets), which are expected to experience supply issues until October; Kern Pharma 600 mg effervescent granules, which are expected to have problems until November; and the Kern Pharma 600 mg box containing 40 film-coated tablets.

It is frequently employed, particularly for fever, mild to moderate pain, including migraine, arthritis, osteoarthritis, or non-rheumatic inflammation.

Paracetamol-related issues include Kern Pharma 500 mg 500 tablets, which lack a resolution date, and tramadol/paracetamol Stada 37.5 mg / 325 mg, which comprises 20 coated tablets.

Fever and discomfort

In the past few weeks, a number of pharmacies in the province of Alicante have reported supply issues with two of the most frequently used medications for treating pain and fever. However, it is also true that other pharmacies are not currently experiencing this issue and have an ample supply. They are cognisant of the issue, and there is some apprehension that it may persist and result in future shortages. These medications are not produced by a single laboratory, and they are available in over-the-counter formulations. A pharmacist from Luda Partners, an online search engine that these pharmacies employ to identify medications in short supply, has stated that there is typically a time lag between the industrial-level shortage and its impact on the final link in the supply chain—namely, the medications available to patients—when an active ingredient is declared undersupplied. This implies that the restricted availability of these medications will become increasingly apparent as time progresses.

This scarcity is the result of a combination of factors, as per industry professionals. The Iran-Iraq War has resulted in a reduction in supply capacity due to issues in the production and distribution chain, such as increased raw material costs and logistical challenges.

Alternatives

Pharmacists confirm that, although the situation is not pervasive across all formats and concentrations, occasional shortages are occurring, necessitating the provision of alternative medications to patients. They frequently advocate for the use of generic or equivalent medications.

The public has been advised by health authorities to maintain a composed demeanour and to refrain from stockpiling medications at home, as this could exacerbate the situation. Additionally, they disclosed that they are collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to expedite the restoration of supplies.

In the interim, it is advised that individuals consult with a healthcare professional prior to altering any treatment and adhere to medical guidance.

Additional infractions

In the present day, pharmacies in Alicante are also experiencing shortages of products such as amchafibrin, which prevents and treats excessive bleeding by preventing the dissolution of clots; neupro, which is prescribed for patients with Parkinson’s disease; lenzetto, a treatment for menopausal symptoms; prolia, which is indicated for osteoporosis; and kreon, which is used in cases of pancreatic insufficiency.