Tamoxifen returns to Czech pharmacies following shortage

The breast cancer medication tamoxifen is beginning to return to Czech pharmacies following a severe shortage. The Czech Ministry of Health has initiated extraordinary measures to address the crisis, including the importation of approximately 6,000 units from abroad. These supplies include preparations registered in other EU member states but not directly in the Czech Republic, a process facilitated by recent changes to the national medicines law.

Major pharmacy chains, including Dr. Max and BENU, have received limited initial shipments. Dr. Max reported receiving 900 packs, which were distributed to approximately 243 pharmacies based on historical demand data. The Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute has also confirmed it currently has sufficient stock in its pharmacy and expects further deliveries soon.

While the emergency measures allow for the distribution of foreign-registered drugs and enable pharmacists to split packs to maximize efficiency through a special treatment program, the situation highlights systemic challenges. Experts note that while the tools for acute crisis management are functioning, the new legislation has struggled to prevent shortages and ensure that suppliers maintain adequate emergency stocks to avoid such disruptions.