Authors :
Presenting Author: Hajo Hamer, MD – Epilepsy Center, Dept. of Neurology, University of Erlangen, Germany
Sabine Krebs, MD – University Hospital Erlangen, Germany; Josephine Steidl, MD – Epilepsy Center, Dpt Neurology, University of Erlangen, Germany
Rationale:
Persons with epilepsy frequently complain of shortages of antiseizure medication (ASM) and may be even forced to change their ASM regime. Therefore, we aimed to quantify shortages of antiseizure medication (ASM) in Germany.
Methods:
We analyzed retrospectively sponsor reported shortages of ASM (ATC code N03) reported to the Medicine Shortage Reports Database of the German Federal Ministry of Health from January 1, 2019 through April 30, 2023. We included only shortages lasting >14 days.
Results:
During the 52 months observation period, 136 shortages were identified with a median duration of 118 days (range 17 – 884 days). The fewest shortages were in the third quarter of 2019 (N=5) and the most in the first quarter of 2020 (N=32). There was no clear in- or decline of the number of shortages over time. 20 manufacturers reported shortages. The shortages comprised a total 15 ASM of which 24% were originator and 76% generic brands. The top five ASM were lamotrigine (14.7%), gabapentine (13.2%), pregabaline (12.5%), topiramate (12.5%) and carbamezepine (11.8%)
Conclusions:
Sponsor reported ASM shortages are common and wide spread in Germany involving more often generic than originator brands. The results argue of improvements in manufacturing and distribution channels.
Funding: None