Written question WQ85848
- Asked by
- Rhun ap IorwerthPlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
What is causing a shortage of medicines such as remifentanil at the moment and what action is the Welsh Government taking to try to overcome this problem?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Supplies of all strengths and all presentations of remifentanil injection are currently in limited supply due to manufacturing constraints and manufacturers will be unable to meet full UK demand for the foreseeable future.
Clinical experts including the Royal College of Anaesthetists have been consulted and have advised that existing stock of remifentanil should be preserved for use for priority indications until full supplies resume.
Until the supply position improves alternative opioids including alfentanil and fentanyl can be used. These are available and manufacturers have confirmed they can support the anticipated uplift in demand.