Drug Shortage: Cytarabine-Containing Medicines Facing Supply Issues in Germany
German authorities have identified a supply shortage of medicines containing cytarabine. The drug is essential for treating life-threatening forms of certain leukemias and lymphomas.
Germany's Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has announced a supply shortage affecting medicines containing cytarabine. The information was communicated to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and state authorities.
Cytarabine is a vital drug used in the treatment of patients with life-threatening forms of certain leukemias and lymphomas. There are currently no equivalent alternative therapies available, making the shortage critical for patient care.
Production issues at two manufacturers of the antimetabolite have been cited as the cause of the supply bottleneck. Consequently, state authorities are empowered to grant temporary deviations from the German Medicines Act in individual cases. This measure aims to enable treatment with medicines not authorized in Germany.
Apothecaries are advised to contact their respective authorities for guidance on these exceptions. Information regarding the duration of the shortage or the expected resumption of supply for finished cytarabine-containing medicines is not yet available.