Key Summary
- Iran war leads to severe cancer drug shortage.
- The shortage is for cancer drugs, drugs to manage its symptoms and side effects as well.
- Government spokesperson stated that the government is prepared.
The drug price hike caused by the Iran War is disrupting cancer patients’ access to vital medications.
According to the Telegraph, supply crisis has affected cancer drugs as well as the drug necessary in managing its symptoms and side effects.
The obstacles in the air freight routes, higher fuel prices and shipping costs have led to a rise in prices.
The prices of some medicines have gone up 11-fold since February, leaving the NHS struggling to cover the cost.
If the war does not come to an end soon, cancer patients will suffer vital medicine shortage and the unavailability of blood pressure drugs, steroids, etc. they use.
Endoxan, Sendoxan and Genoxal are some of the popular cancer drugs that are facing the shortage.
Oxybutynin used to calm hot flashes in patients undergoing hormone therapy is also under severe shortage threat.
The National Pharmacy Association told the Daily that the price hike impacts some of the most commonly prescribed medicines after observing 400 pharmacies across the UK.
The European Medicines Agency has also declared that a serious shortage of intravenous cancer drugs will hit Europe including the UK.
As pharmacists and health experts are raising their concerns about the ongoing crisis, a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson said that majority medicines supply are in control and assured to maintain that further.
They said the situation is carefully monitored along with necessary measured being taken such as holding buffer stock, gathering alternative products, etc.
According to the spokesperson steps to mitigate sudden market price rise are also under process such as adjusting reimbursement process based on the present market situations to support pharmacies.
