Latest news with #NationalPharmacyAssociation
Medscape
3 days ago
- Business
- Medscape
UK Pharmacies Struggle with Severe Creon Shortage
Nearly all UK pharmacies are experiencing severe 'challenges' supplying pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) warned. A sample survey by the association found that 96% of pharmacies were struggling to obtain Creon (pancrelipase, Mylan). A further 89% reported difficulties supplying PERT alternatives. Patients Resorting to Extreme Measures The ongoing shortage has forced patients to take desperate action, according to the NPA, which said some are rationing existing medication supplies or skipping meals entirely. One pharmacist described it as the 'worst stock shortage' they had ever encountered. Patients report eating only one meal daily, contacting multiple pharmacies for supplies, or travelling more than 30 miles to obtain the medication. Critical Medication for Serious Conditions Creon is used to treat pancreatic exocrine insufficiency from a variety of causes, including pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatitis. The medication, derived from porcine pancreatin, contains lipase, protease, and amylase. It dissolves rapidly in the stomach to release its enzyme load in the small intestine, where its lipolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic activity enable absorption of the products of pancreatic digestion. PERT medications need to be taken to facilitate digestion every time a patient eats. In clinical trials, treatment with Creon markedly improved stool consistency, abdominal pain, and stool frequency, independent of the underlying disease. The consequences of inadequate dosing can be severe. Patients may become too unwell for surgery, struggle with chemotherapy tolerance, or experience debilitating symptoms that diminish quality of life. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and oily, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhoea). Safety Concerns Olivier Picard, NPA chair, warned the shortage has 'profound effects' on patients who depend on the medication to survive and lead normal lives. 'It simply cannot be right that in the 21st century patients are skipping meals in order to ration their medication,' he said. Last week, the government extended the current Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Creon until 21 November 2025. The protocol allows pharmacists to use professional judgement to decide whether it's 'reasonable and appropriate' to substitute a patient's prescription for an alternative agent for one dispensing month. It allows pharmacies to supply a reduced quantity of Creon capsules that might be in stock, without having to send a patient back to their GP to get a new prescription. Two SSPs for Creon 10,000 and 25,000 capsules have been in place since May 2024. However, the survey found that 81% of pharmacies felt the current arrangements for managing the shortage were inadequate. In particular, pharmacists were still obliged to refer patients back to prescribers when seeking PERT alternatives. Alternative PERT formulations Nutrizym and Pancrex are also now in short supply as manufacturers struggle to meet demand. GPs and pharmacies can order unlicensed Creon or other PERT products from overseas, but other countries have experienced similar shortages. Calls for Regulatory Change The NPA and Pancreatic Cancer UK issued a joint statement urging government action. They called for a national plan to address shortages and support patients with alternative care. Picard said that although the situation was complex and not the fault of the government, medicine shortages were all too common. 'Highly trained pharmacists should also be permitted to use their professional judgment to supply alternative medicines — where it is safe and appropriate — in the event of the prescribed version being unavailable.' Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, head of influencing and health improvement at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said that the findings were 'deeply worrying'. It was 'totally unacceptable' that cancer patients were still taking desperate measures that put their health, wellbeing, and eligibility for treatment at risk, when the charity had been raising concerns with Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) officials and PERT suppliers for more than a year. 'This crisis continues to put people's health on the line, and they cannot afford to wait any longer,' he said. A DHSC spokesperson said that the supply issues with Creon were European-wide and caused by limited availability of raw ingredients along with manufacturing capacity constraints. 'We are working closely with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact on patients and resolve the issues as quickly as possible,' the spokesperson said.
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Cancer patients hit by key drug shortage
Patients battling cancer are facing severe difficulties due to a dire lack of the essential medication Creon which over 60,000 UK patients rely on. The shortage has prompted some people to only eat once a day as they ration their supplies, according to warnings from pharmacists. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said those suffering from pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis are affected by this shortage and some are travelling over 30 miles in desperate search of the medication. Creon serves as a vital pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (Pert) that helps patients properly digest food and absorb its nutrients. Recent data from an NPA survey of 300 pharmacies revealed a startling 96% are experiencing issues stocking Creon, with 89% also saying they've struggled to provide alternative Pert treatments. Patient hardships reported include cases where individuals have resorted to consuming only one meal a day to make their supply of Creon last longer, as well as people going without medication or travelling across multiple pharmacies to find some. A pharmacist has expressed their concern, labelling this the "worst stock shortage" ever encountered in their profession. In response, the Government has decided to extend the serious shortage protocols (SSP) for Creon up until November. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here. These rules allow pharmacists to dispense a smaller number of available Creon capsules without requiring patients to go back to their GP for a renewed prescription. The NPA survey also discovered that a significant 81% of pharmacies believe the current procedures for managing the shortage of Creon fall short of what is needed. The study revealed that pharmacists are still having to redirect patients back for new prescriptions for an alternative Pert product, or an unlicensed Creon product. Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, said: "Pharmacies are at the sharp end of medicine shortages, spending hours hunting stock and supporting frustrated and concerned patients. "It simply cannot be right that in the 21st century patients are skipping meals in order to ration their medication. "Although we recognise this situation is complex and not the fault of the Government, it's important they convene a taskforce and a national action plan to tackle this particular shortage given its impact on patients. Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, head of influencing and health improvement at Pancreatic Cancer UK, added: "Thousands of people affected by pancreatic cancer rely on taking Pert tablets every time they eat simply to digest their food and absorb nutrients – something most of us take for granted. "It's totally unacceptable that they are still taking desperate measures which puts their health, wellbeing and their eligibility for treatment at risk. "For over a year, we have been raising concerns with Department of Health and Social Care officials and Pert suppliers, urging them to prioritise solutions that reduce the impact on patients. "But despite these conversations, progress has been far too slow and patients continue to pay the price. The situation is unacceptable and it demands immediate action." A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "We know how frustrating and distressing medicine supply issues can be for patients and the clinicians caring for them. "The European-wide supply issues with Creon are caused by a limited availability of raw ingredients and manufacturing capacity constraints. We are working closely with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact on patients and resolve the issues as quickly as possible."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Worst ever' drug shortage leaves cancer patients unable to eat
Shortages of Creon, which replaces a key enzyme needed to digest food, means patients with pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis are rationing meals Thousands of cancer and cystic fibrosis patients are being hit by a critical shortage of a key drug they need to help them digest food. Pharmacists are warning some patients are only eating once a day to ration supplies of the drug Creon. Patients with chronic pancreatitis are also among around 60,000 people who rely on the drug which replaces a key enzyme in what one pharmacist called the "worst stock shortage" they have ever had to deal with. The National Pharmacy Association surveyed 300 pharmacies and found 96% were having trouble supplying Creon, which is subject to the Government's serious shortage protocols (SSP). Creon is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (Pert) which helps people digest food and absorb its nutrients. A Europe-wide problem in getting hold of stocks is being caused by a shortage of its raw ingredients. Patients like Harriet Corr, 9, from Hebburn, Tyneside, who suffers from Cystic fibrosis are being advised to basically cut back on their calories to reduce the amount of Creon tablets they need. People with CF struggle as it is to keep weight on so this can be dangerous. Speaking last year, her mum Emma Corr told the Express: Emma, of Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, told the Daily Express: "Harriet needs about 10-15 Creon tablets every day and usually it's never a problem getting any. But people increasingly seen unable to source Creon anywhere. It's becoming a full blown crisis. We're now unable to find it either. "We've been scouring our house to see if we've left any pots of Creon lying about - that's how desperate we're getting. Not only does Creon help Harriet absorb the nutrients and fats in her food but it enables her CF drug Kaftrio to work properly too. If we have to reduce the fats in her diet not only will she lose weight but it could mean her Kaftrio does not fully work either." The NPA survey heard examples of patients in distress such as those eating one meal a day to ration their Creon, going without medication or travelling long distances and contacting numerous pharmacies in an attempt to find stock. The NPA said some are travelling more than 30 miles to get hold of a pack of the drug. Some 89% of pharmacies also reported difficulties in supplying Pert alternatives. Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, said: "Pharmacies are at the sharp end of medicine shortages, spending hours hunting stock and supporting frustrated and concerned patients. "As this distressing survey shows ongoing supply problems with Creon has had a profound effect on the patients who depend on it to survive and lead a normal life. It simply cannot be right that in the 21st century patients are skipping meals in order to ration their medication.' Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, head of influencing and health improvement at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: "These deeply worrying findings echo the distress and frustration we are hearing from patients and their loved ones across the UK. "Thousands of people affected by pancreatic cancer rely on taking Pert tablets every time they eat simply to digest their food and absorb nutrients - something most of us take for granted. It's totally unacceptable that they are still taking desperate measures which puts their health, wellbeing and their eligibility for treatment at risk.' The Government has extended the current serious shortage protocols (SSP) in place for Creon until November. This allows pharmacists to supply a reduced quantity of Creon capsules that might be in stock, without having to send a patient back to their GP for a new prescription. The NPA survey also found that 81% of pharmacies felt the current arrangements for managing shortages of Creon were inadequate. It found pharmacists are still having to refer patients back for new prescriptions for an alternative Pert product, stock permitting, or an unlicensed Creon product. Olivier Picard, of the NPA, added: "Although we recognise this situation is complex and not the fault of the Government, it's important they convene a taskforce and a national action plan to tackle this particular shortage given its impact on patients. "Medicine shortages are all too common so highly trained pharmacists should also be permitted to use their professional judgment to supply alternative medicines - where it is safe and appropriate - in the event of the prescribed version being unavailable." Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, of Pancreatic Cancer UK, added: "For over a year, we have been raising concerns with Department of Health and Social Care officials and Pert suppliers, urging them to prioritise solutions that reduce the impact on patients. But despite these conversations, progress has been far too slow and patients continue to pay the price. "It is critical that they take immediate, decisive action and explore every available option to increase supply, including directly purchasing this vital medication from countries with a surplus. This crisis continues to put people's health on the line, and they cannot afford to wait any longer. The situation is unacceptable and it demands immediate action." A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "We know how frustrating and distressing medicine supply issues can be for patients and the clinicians caring for them. "The European-wide supply issues with Creon are caused by a limited availability of raw ingredients and manufacturing capacity constraints. We are working closely with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact on patients and resolve the issues as quickly as possible."
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Cancer patients unable to get key drug in 'worst shortage ever'
Cancer patients unable to get key drug in 'worst shortage ever' The drug is used by more than 60,000 people with cancer, cystic fibrosis and other chronic conditions Empty shelves in a pharmacy Cancer patients are being hit by a critical shortage of a key drug, while some people are only eating once a day to ration supplies, pharmacists have warned. The ongoing shortage of Creon, which is needed by patients with pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis, means some are also travelling more than 30 miles to get hold of supply, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said. Creon is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (Pert) which helps people digest food and absorb its nutrients. It is thought more than 60,000 patients in the UK need Creon. An NPA survey of 300 pharmacies found 96% were having trouble supplying Creon, with 89% also reporting difficulties in supplying Pert alternatives. Examples of patients in distress included those eating one meal a day to ration their Creon, people going without medication or travelling long distances and contacting numerous pharmacies in an attempt to find stock. One pharmacist said this was the 'worst stock shortage' they have ever had to deal with. The Government has extended the current serious shortage protocols (SSP) in place for Creon until November. This allows pharmacists to supply a reduced quantity of Creon capsules that might be in stock, without having to send a patient back to their GP for a new prescription. The NPA survey also found that 81% of pharmacies felt the current arrangements for managing shortages of Creon were inadequate. It found pharmacists are still having to refer patients back for new prescriptions for an alternative Pert product, stock permitting, or an unlicensed Creon product. Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, said: 'Pharmacies are at the sharp end of medicine shortages, spending hours hunting stock and supporting frustrated and concerned patients. 'As this distressing survey shows ongoing supply problems with Creon has had a profound effect on the patients who depend on it to survive and lead a normal life. It simply cannot be right that in the 21st century patients are skipping meals in order to ration their medication. 'Medicine shortages not only cause huge inconvenience but can risk serious patient safety issues, particular in the cases of Perts including Creon. Although we recognise this situation is complex and not the fault of the Government, it's important they convene a taskforce and a national action plan to tackle this particular shortage given its impact on patients. 'Medicine shortages are all too common so highly trained pharmacists should also be permitted to use their professional judgment to supply alternative medicines – where it is safe and appropriate – in the event of the prescribed version being unavailable.' Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, head of influencing and health improvement at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: 'These deeply worrying findings echo the distress and frustration we are hearing from patients and their loved ones across the UK. Thousands of people affected by pancreatic cancer rely on taking Pert tablets every time they eat simply to digest their food and absorb nutrients – something most of us take for granted. 'It's totally unacceptable that they are still taking desperate measures which puts their health, wellbeing and their eligibility for treatment at risk. For over a year, we have been raising concerns with Department of Health and Social Care officials and Pert suppliers, urging them to prioritise solutions that reduce the impact on patients. 'But despite these conversations, progress has been far too slow and patients continue to pay the price. Resolving the shortages demands strong, national leadership from the UK Government. It is critical that they take immediate, decisive action and explore every available option to increase supply, including directly purchasing this vital medication from countries with a surplus. Article continues below 'This crisis continues to put people's health on the line, and they cannot afford to wait any longer. The situation is unacceptable and it demands immediate action.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'We know how frustrating and distressing medicine supply issues can be for patients and the clinicians caring for them. The European-wide supply issues with Creon are caused by a limited availability of raw ingredients and manufacturing capacity constraints. 'We are working closely with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact on patients and resolve the issues as quickly as possible.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pharmacists warn drug shortage affecting cancer patients
Pharmacists have warned that "one of the worst" examples of medicine shortages is affecting cancer patients. Creon, a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (Pert), helps digestion and is required by patients with pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis. It is thought more than 61,000 patients in the UK need the medicine. Some patients are said to be "skipping meals" to ration their medication due to a shortage of it, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said there were "European-wide supply issues" and it was "working closely with industry and the NHS" to mitigate the impact on patients. Without the drug, patients lose weight and strength, which means their ability to cope with treatment such as chemotherapy is reduced. Some experts have predicted shortages continuing until next year. The Department of Health and Social Care has extended a serious shortage protocol for Creon which has already been in place for a year. This indicates concern about shortages of a medicine and allows pharmacists to give patients an alternative - though they argue other drugs are also in short supply. A spokesperson for the department said the "European-wide supply issues" were caused by manufacturing supply constraints. The National Pharmacy Association said more than three quarters of members covered in a recent survey felt the current arrangements for managing the shortages were inadequate. Some reported that patients were skipping meals and travelling long distances to get hold of the medication, according to the NPA. One said it was the "worst stock shortage" they had ever had to deal with. BBC News highlighted the issue in February after a woman got in touch saying it was impossible for her husband, who has pancreatic cancer, to digest his food without Creon. That month, leading pancreatic clinicians and charities wrote to the prime minister, saying the absence of Pert can have a "devastating impact on people's lives". They called for a national strategy to tackle the shortage. Alice from Birmingham was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023 and initially got 15 boxes of Creon capsules every month to help her tolerate chemotherapy. She can now get only six or seven and is having to skip snacks. The 64-year-old said the shortage had profoundly affected her mental health. She told the BBC: "Each day I'm trying to balance: what shall I eat, shall I have a more substantial meal, shall I take my supplements and that creates an extra layer of stress and worry whilst I'm trying to put my life together again after having this diagnosis." Alfie Bailey-Bearfield of Pancreatic Cancer UK said the charity had been raising concerns with the government and suppliers for more than a year and it was vital that officials intervened to try to boost supply. "Thousands of people affected by pancreatic cancer rely on taking Pert tablets every time they eat simply to digest their food and absorb nutrients – something most of us take for granted," he said. "It's totally unacceptable that they are still taking desperate measures which puts their health, wellbeing and their eligibility for treatment at risk," he added. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association said it was very difficult for her members to obtain supplies from the wholesaler. "The shortages with Creon has been ongoing for so long and it seems no effective attempts are being made by officials to make the process easier for pharmacies and patients and to put robust plans in place to prioritise the availability of this product," she said. "Instead they continue prolonging the current processes." A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said it knew "how frustrating and distressing" medicine supply issues can be for patients and clinicians caring for them. They added: "The European-wide supply issues with Creon are caused by a limited availability of raw ingredients and manufacturing capacity constraints. "We are working closely with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact on patients and resolve the issues as quickly as possible." Cancer patients 'may starve' without vital drug
