D66 calls for action on gender bias in medication dosages

Women continue to receive medications designed primarily for men, leading to a significantly higher risk of severe side effects and longer recovery times, according to Dutch political party D66. Party leader Rob Jetten announced Saturday that D66 is pushing for reforms to address this issue, unveiling an action plan during a party gathering in Utrecht marking the anniversary of the death of former Health Minister Els Borst.

Jetten emphasized that Borst, a physician by training, had championed a healthcare system that was “fair, accessible, and based on scientific evidence.” However, he noted that one persistent issue is that medications are typically tested on male subjects, despite research showing that women’s bodies process drugs differently.

“The effects of this oversight are severe,” Jetten said. “Women experience more frequent and intense side effects, including nausea, headaches, heart rhythm disorders, and hallucinations. As a result, they are more likely to stop taking prescribed medications and suffer from prolonged illness, leading to increased workplace absenteeism.”

D66’s action plan proposes mandatory testing on women before medications can be approved for the European market. The party argues that pharmaceutical companies should be required to determine both the effectiveness and side effects of drugs specifically for women before they are granted regulatory approval.

Additionally, Jetten called for revised dosage recommendations for existing medications, ensuring that women receive guidance tailored to their physiological differences. The plan also includes expanded research into the appropriate dosages for female patients, which D66 believes can be financed through existing healthcare budgets.

Jetten stressed the urgency of the issue, stating that the failure to adjust medication dosages for women not only compromises their health but also places an avoidable burden on the healthcare system and workforce. “It is time to close this gap,” he said.