EMA and Brussels are trying to alleviate the shortage of antibiotics in the European Union

European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission stressed this Friday that they are closely monitoring and responding to the current antibiotic shortages that are affecting European Union (EU) and are working with national authorities to see if “additional measures” can be taken to mitigate the problem.

In a joint statement, joined by heads of national drug agencies, the agencies recall that drug shortages have been “an ongoing public health problem” and the situation in EU were “exacerbated by geopolitical events or trends, such as the war in Ukraineenergy crisis and high inflation”.

In addition, they explain that the rise in respiratory infections in recent months has led to an increase in demand for antibiotics such as amoxicillin, especially in pediatric forms, which added to production delays and capacity problems, resulting in “supply problems affecting most” European countries.

“Various measures have been implemented at the Member State level to ensure that patients can receive treatment appropriate,” they add.

The note also ensures that, according to current information from Business“the situation is expected to improve in the coming months” and reminds that it is important to use antibiotics wisely to maintain their effectiveness and avoid antimicrobial resistance.

“They should only be prescribed to treat bacterial infections. They are not suitable for treatment from viral infections such as colds and flu, where they are ineffective,” they note.

However EMA ensures that these issues also affect countries outside the EUemphasizes the importance of “transparency” regarding the deficit and emphasizes the need for all parties to report “objectively and responsibly in order to avoid undue public concern”.

EFE