- The information needs to become clearer and spread more smoothly, summarizes Social Minister Lena Hallengren (S).

This summer's lack of lithium, which is prescribed for people with bipolar disorder, is one of many examples of so-called residual quotas, that is, when the manufacturer cannot deliver a drug. At present, 357 preparations are listed at the Swedish Medicines Agency, which of course creates problems for both patients and healthcare and pharmacy staff.

Among the drugs that cannot be applied are anticoagulants and medicines used in the lung disease carbon, pneumonia or migraine.

Faster notice

In order to mitigate the negative effects, the Government assigns the Swedish Medicines Agency to be able to notify a shortage of medicines more quickly.

- The mission involves creating a formal structure for collaboration between everyone involved - pharmaceutical companies, distributors, pharmacies and healthcare. They already have a dialogue, but it must be formalized. Everyone in the chain should know what role they have, says Lena Hallengren.

Alternative treatments

The Swedish Medicines Agency will also improve its dissemination of information in the event of a critical shortage situation.

- It is about to a much greater extent to guide the healthcare system on alternative treatments. It will save time for the staff, who today have to spend too much time and effort on finding alternatives themselves, says Lena Hallengren.

She emphasizes that the assignment, which the government decides on Thursday, does not contradict the residual quotations per se. That work continues in parallel.

- The Swedish Medicines Agency has a collaboration with authorities in other countries and the issue is also being discussed in the EU and globally, says Hallengren.

As a result of the lack of lithium, the Swedish Medicines Agency has introduced the possibility of a general license, which makes it easier for healthcare providers to replace the medicine with other, foreign medicines that are not approved in Sweden.