Medication shortages linked to serious incidents, Dutch study finds
Medication shortages in the Netherlands have led to serious incidents, including irreversible harm to patients, according to findings published in Pharmaceutisch Weekblad. The publication reported results from a preliminary study by the College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen (CBG) and a master’s student at the University of Groningen.
The research, though not representative, highlighted severe cases caused by the lack of available drugs. One patient experienced a 40 percent irreversible loss of kidney function after no alternative treatment for a urinary tract infection was available. The patient was hospitalized, and an intravenous antibiotic caused further complications.
In another case, treatment for a patient with aggressive lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system, was delayed due to the unavailability of alternative medication.
The study drew on responses from 281 healthcare professionals, including prescribers, pharmacists, and administrators, to a survey conducted earlier this month. Respondents included subscribers to Praktijkprikkels, a reporting system for medication incidents (Voorkomen Medicatie-Incidenten, VMI), and participants recruited via social media. Of participating public and hospital pharmacies, 24 and 20 percent, respectively, reported that medication-related accidents or near-misses occurred "frequently."
The substitution of medications with alternatives of different strengths posed the greatest risk, researchers found. Changes in drug form or administration methods also contributed to errors, leading to incorrect dosages. Experts have called for further research to draw definitive conclusions about the full scope of the problem.
