Medicines shortages reported in Ireland

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is warning that shortages of medicine are posing a serious risk to the public. A survey conducted by the union has found that 91% of pharmacists say shortages have worsened in the past 12 months. The lack of alternatives to out-of-stock drugs is the main cause of shortages.

"It's been a major problem, and something that pharmacists spend many hours … trying to source medicines from various sources to try and satisfy our patients' needs," said IPU President Rory O'Donnell, reported by the Irish Examiner.

Trade group IPHA says some shortages due to cross-Europe trading of products