Information on shortages of medicines will be regularly published

Information on shortages of medicines will be regularly published

Starting from 1 June 2016 the list of medicinal products that are permanently or temporarily not placed on the market of Latvia is being published on the website of the State Agency of Medicines (SAM).

The list contains information regarding the name of the medicinal product, package size, product No., strength, name of active substances, starting date of the disruption in the supply of the product and the estimated date for renewal of the supply, as well as information on alternative medicines.

The list is available in the “Register” section of the website.

In accordance with the Regulation No 416 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia “Procedures regarding the Distribution and Quality Control of Medicinal Products” adopted on 26 June 2007 (Article 153.3.2.) marketing authorisation holders shall submit to the State Agency of Medicines an announcement regarding medicines that are permanently or temporarily not placed on the market of Latvia.

From time to time marketing authorisation holders may be forced to discontinue supply of medicinal products due to various reasons (manufacturing problems, issues regarding quality of medicines or active substances etc.). SAM collaborates with manufacturers and, if necessary, turn to manufacturers of similar medicines with the request to increase the supplied amount of medicines, if possible.

Timely information regarding the shortages of medicines will be beneficial for all involved parties in order to plan and ensure subsequent deliveries, as well as to receive information regarding alternative medicinal products or time when supply will be resumed.