According to the association of lung care organizations, the shortage could pose problems for the more than half a million people who use the drug. The drug helps them breathe better.
‘Urgent and worrying’
About 85,000 children under the age of six use salbutamol aerosol. They are too young for other inhalants, says the LAN. The association therefore advises pharmacists to reserve their stock for this group.
“The shortage is really urgent and worrying,” says chairman of the Lung Fund and former pediatrician Karoly Illy. “Especially for the little ones. There is no alternative medicine for children up to 7 years old. We are really concerned about that.”
“There is still stock for acute cases,” says Illy. “But something really needs to be done now.” According to the former pediatrician, the next two weeks will be especially exciting.
Deficits decision
As of today, a shortage decision applies, which means that pharmacies purchase medicines from other countries with government permission. Normally that is not allowed. “Such a shortage decision is not taken lightly,” says Dennis Mulkens of the KNMP pharmacy organization. “A fairly large audience uses salbutamol aerosol. The shortage is really dire.”
The shortages are partly due to production problems at drug manufacturers. The Long Alliance says it is consulting with the government and insurers to prevent future shortages.
Tags: Major shortage puffs asthma patients concerned children
