Netherlands continues to struggle with shortage of schizophrenia medication

The Netherlands is still struggling with a serious shortage of a long-acting drug for people with schizophrenia. Doctors are, therefore, being given permission to import the drug Zypadhera from other countries without requesting permission from the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ). The inspectorate hopes the shortages will be resolved by the end of next month.

The Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG), the government's supervisory body, had already warned of shortages in January. Doctors were advised not to start new treatments with the drug Zypadhera. They had to first see if there were any alternatives. In addition, some patients could receive a smaller dose.

The advice was valid until early February, but it is now mid-August, and the shortages are still there, which is why the watchdog is reiterating its advice.

There are also major shortages of the drug etoposide, which is used to slow the growth of tumors. Doctors are therefore advised to adjust the treatment with it as well. For example, cancer patients who can still be cured are given priority over patients who do not have long to live. Doctors cannot import the drug because other countries are struggling with the same shortages. The European regulator EMA is going to look for stocks.