As manufacturing problems continue to occur among generic drug manufacturers and supply suspensions continue for a wide range of types, the impact of increased burdens and delays in obtaining drugs on patients who use them has been seen. It was revealed in a survey conducted by the Pharmacist Association.
Regarding generic drugs, multiple manufacturers such as "Nichi-Iko" and "Kobayashi Kako" have found problems such as manufacturing in a process not approved by the government, and supply suspensions and shipping adjustments are continuing for a wide range of types.
In response to this, the Chiba Pharmacist Association conducted a questionnaire survey by the end of last month and received responses from 586 pharmacies in the prefecture.
When asked about the impact on patients with multiple answers, the most common answer was "the burden increased due to the change to the original drug", which was 77%, and the next most common answer was "deliver the drug in the backlog". Was late ”was 63%.
In addition, in the free description, in addition to opinions such as "the drug changed and I made a mistake in taking the drug" or "some patients could not take the drug they were using and their symptoms returned", they complained of anxiety about generic drugs and took the drug. Some people refused to drink.
Shutaro Yokota, director of the Chiba Pharmacist Association, said, "The impact on patients is considerable. It may become even more serious in the future."
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has a policy of conducting a fact-finding survey, considering that the impact is spreading to various places.
Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Tamura "Understanding the future outlook and responding appropriately"
Regarding the continued suspension of supply of a wide variety of drugs, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Tamura said at a press conference on the 10th of this month, "I am aware that there is a tight supply and demand for various products. Medical institutions, pharmacists, and wholesalers in the field are really struggling with the adjustments such as changing to. Since it is said that the prescription of generic drugs is having a big impact, please understand the future outlook. I want to respond appropriately. "
Regarding the impact on patients, "When changing to a brand-name drug, generic drugs are cheaper, so I think there is a part to be borne by the patient. When the usual drug is requested, in the medical field, I think there will be a great deal of confusion, so I would like to ask medical professionals to be aware of this and to make sure that alternatives are well known. "