Pharmacists have warned that "one of the worst" examples of medicine shortages is affecting cancer patients. Creon, a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (Pert), helps digestion and is required by patients with pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis. It is thought more than 61,000 patients in the UK need the medicine. Some patients are said to be "skipping meals" to ration their medication due to a shortage of it, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said there were "European-wide supply issues" and it was "working closely with industry and the NHS" to mitigate the impact on patients. Without the drug, patients lose weight and strength, which means their ability to cope with treatment such as chemotherapy is reduced. Some experts have predicted shortages continuing until next year. The Department of Health and Social Care has extended a serious shortage protocol for Creon which has already been in place for a year. This indicates concern about shortages of a medicine and allows pharmacists to give patients an alternative - though they argue other drugs are also in short supply. A spokesperson for the department said the "European-wide supply issues" were caused by manufacturing supply constraints. The National Pharmacy Association said more than three quarters of members covered in a recent survey felt the current arrangements for managing the shortages were inadequate. Some reported that patients were skipping meals and travelling long distances to get hold of the medication, according to the NPA. One said it was the "worst stock shortage" they had ever had to deal with. BBC News highlighted the issue in Februaryafter a woman got in touch saying it was impossible for her husband, who has pancreatic cancer, to digest his food without Creon. That month, leading pancreatic clinicians and charities wrote to the prime minister, saying the absence of Pert can have a "devastating impact on people's lives". They called for a national strategy to tackle the shortage. Alice from Birmingham was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023 and initially got 15 boxes of Creon capsules every month to help her tolerate chemotherapy. She can now get only six or seven and is having to skip snacks. The 64-year-old said the shortage had profoundly affected her mental health. She told the BBC: "Each day I'm trying to balance: what shall I eat, shall I have a more substantial meal, shall I take my supplements and that creates an extra layer of stress and worry whilst I'm trying to put my life together again after having this diagnosis." Alfie Bailey-Bearfield of Pancreatic Cancer UK said the charity had been raising concerns with the government and suppliers for more than a year and it was vital that officials intervened to try to boost supply. "Thousands of people affected by pancreatic cancer rely on taking Pert tablets every time they eat simply to digest their food and absorb nutrients – something most of us take for granted," he said. "It's totally unacceptable that they are still taking desperate measures which puts their health, wellbeing and their eligibility for treatment at risk," he added. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association said it was very difficult for her members to obtain supplies from the wholesaler. "The shortages with Creon has been ongoing for so long and it seems no effective attempts are being made by officials to make the process easier for pharmacies and patients and to put robust plans in place to prioritise the availability of this product," she said. "Instead they continue prolonging the current processes." A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said it knew "how frustrating and distressing" medicine supply issues can be for patients and clinicians caring for them. They added: "The European-wide supply issues with Creon are caused by a limited availability of raw ingredients and manufacturing capacity constraints. "We are working closely with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact on patients and resolve the issues as quickly as possible."
Pharmacists warn drug shortage affecting cancer patients
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Pharmacists Alert to Critical Shortage of Creon Affecting Cancer Patients"
Bbc News
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Pharmacists in the UK have raised alarms about a significant shortage of Creon, a critical pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy used by patients with pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) estimates that over 61,000 patients depend on this medication, which is essential for digestion. Reports indicate that some patients have resorted to skipping meals to conserve their limited supply of Creon, highlighting the severe impact of the shortage on their health and wellbeing. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the existence of European-wide supply issues, attributing them to manufacturing constraints. The department is collaborating closely with both industry and the NHS to mitigate the effects of these shortages on patients, but experts predict that the situation may not stabilize until next year. The ongoing shortage has compelled the department to extend a serious shortage protocol for Creon that has been in place for a year, which allows pharmacists to provide patients with alternative medications, although other drugs are also reported to be in short supply.
The severity of the situation is further underscored by personal accounts from patients like Alice, a 64-year-old diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, who has seen her monthly supply of Creon capsules drastically reduced from 15 to just six or seven. This reduction has forced her to skip meals, significantly affecting her mental health and overall quality of life. Advocacy groups, including Pancreatic Cancer UK, have been vocal about the urgent need for government intervention to improve supply levels. Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, expressed frustration over the lack of effective measures to address the ongoing shortages, stating that the current processes are inadequate and fail to prioritize the availability of Creon. The NPA's recent survey revealed that a majority of its members believe the management of the shortages has been insufficient, with many patients facing dire circumstances, such as traveling long distances to find the medication. The cumulative effect of these shortages poses a significant risk to the health and treatment eligibility of thousands of patients reliant on Creon for their daily nutritional needs.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant issue regarding the shortage of Creon, a crucial medication for cancer patients, particularly those suffering from pancreatic cancer. The shortage is raising serious concerns among healthcare professionals and patients, indicating a systemic problem within the pharmaceutical supply chain. This situation has led to patients having to ration their medication, which directly impacts their health and treatment outcomes.
Impact on Patients and Public Perception
The warnings from pharmacists and healthcare experts aim to create awareness about the dire situation faced by patients who rely on Creon for their survival and quality of life. By emphasizing the drastic measures some patients are taking, such as skipping meals, the article seeks to elicit empathy and concern from the public. This could mobilize community support or pressure health authorities to address the crisis more urgently.
Supply Chain Issues
The mention of "European-wide supply issues" originating from manufacturing constraints suggests that the problem is not isolated to the UK but part of a larger challenge affecting the pharmaceutical industry. This broadens the scope of the issue, potentially implicating regulatory and industry practices that might need reform. The government’s response, which includes extending a serious shortage protocol, indicates recognition of the severity of the situation but also raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures.
Expert Opinions and Predictions
The forecasts from experts predicting continued shortages until next year add to the urgency of the situation. This highlights a potential ongoing healthcare crisis that could lead to greater public health implications if not resolved promptly. The article captures a sense of growing frustration among pharmacists and patients regarding the government's handling of the situation, pointing to a disconnect between the needs of the patients and the responses from health authorities.
Manipulative Elements
While the article is grounded in factual reporting, the emotional weight it carries through patient stories and expert opinions may serve a dual purpose: to inform the public while also advocating for a more robust response from authorities. The language used is designed to provoke a strong emotional reaction, which could be considered a form of manipulation, especially if it leads to a call for specific actions or policies.
Trustworthiness and Reliability
The reliability of the information presented hinges on the credibility of the sources cited, such as the National Pharmacy Association and government officials. However, the article does not provide in-depth insight into the manufacturing issues or specific data backing the claims of shortages, which could affect its trustworthiness. Overall, while the situation described is real and pressing, the emotional appeal and lack of detailed data may raise questions about the complete picture being presented.
Broader Implications
This news could potentially influence public opinion about the pharmaceutical industry and health policy, leading to increased scrutiny and calls for reform. It might also affect stock prices of pharmaceutical companies involved in the production of Creon or similar medications. The situation underscores the interconnected nature of health care, supply chains, and regulatory environments, which are increasingly relevant in today's global landscape.
The article resonates particularly with communities affected by cancer and chronic illnesses, drawing attention to their struggles and needs. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that accessible medications play in patient care and the potential consequences of systemic failures in healthcare supply chains.