Drug shortages as a result of parallel export in Poland - Pharmacists' opinions

Abstract

Introduction: Drug shortages are recognized as a global problem. However, studies concerning drug shortages in Europe are scarce. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to conduct an analysis concerning drug shortages in Polish pharmacies and to collect pharmacists' opinions about parallel trade and 'reverse traffic' of medicines.

Methods: The study was conducted between October 2015 and July 2016 using a specially designed anonymous questionnaire consisting of 10 questions. The tool was delivered to pharmacists. From over 1800 distributed sheets, 435 were included.

Results: According to Polish pharmacists' opinions, shortages are most frequently associated with anticoagulants and antidiabetics and are an increasing problem in Poland. In respondents' opinion, fines for 'reverse traffic' should be high and restrictive and manufacturers should be obliged to build stocks for a certain period.

Conclusions: Drug shortages concern several groups of medicines, often without generics. Solutions incorporated in Poland and aimed to reduce shortages seem to be ineffective. Reduction of drug shortages should be a priority of all stakeholders, because it is not only a Polish problem, but it is a common European issue.

Keywords: Drug shortages; Parallel trade; Pharmacists’ opinions; Poland.