HALMED reports shortage of over 30 medicines in Croatia

More than 30 medicines have been reported as unavailable in Croatia over the past month, according to the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (HALMED). The shortages include common medications such as the anti-inflammatory Brufen Effect (400 mg granules), the analgesic Plivadon, and Tobrex eye ointment. Most of these issues are attributed to production-related reasons, typically involving raw material shortages.

Among the affected items are several drugs used for oncology patients, specifically Melfalan, Bendamustin, Aksitinib, and Pomalidomid. While the duration of the shortage for the first two is unknown, the latter two are expected to be available again in the second half of next year.

HALMED stated that there are currently no critical shortages in the country. The agency emphasized that alternative therapies are available for all reported supply disruptions. In cases where alternatives are unavailable, supplies of the same or equivalent medication are procured through the redistribution of stocks from other European Union member states to ensure patient access to necessary treatment.