New List With More Medicines Included
The National Medicines and Health Products Authority (Infarmed) has updated the list of medicines whose export is temporarily banned. The new version includes eight more drugs than the previous month’s and covers essential medicines used to treat heart failure, osteoporosis, psychiatric disorders (antipsychotics), pain (analgesics) and bacterial infections (antibiotics).
Measure to Protect National Supply
The temporary suspension of exports applies to all players in the distribution chain, including manufacturers. This action aims to ensure that medicines in short supply or at risk of shortage are available on the national market, thus protecting public health.
Criteria for Inclusion on the List
The list is reviewed monthly and includes:
- Medicines that have been in breach in the previous month and have had a medium or high impact on public health.
- Drugs that are being supplied under an Exceptional Use Authorization (EUA).
Continuous monitoring by Infarmed
Infarmed monitors shortages, disruptions and cessations in the marketing of medicines on a daily basis, with the aim of anticipating and preventing critical shortages that could affect users.
Portugal in Network with European Authorities
Since April 2019, Portugal has been participating in the European network of contact points for national competent authorities, coordinated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission. This network allows for agile sharing of information on shortages and availability of medicines authorized in the European Union, reinforcing cooperation and joint response to possible supply shortages.
