Bottlenecks in the availability of ophthalmological medications : Initiative of the Working Group on Ethics in Ophthalmology of the DOG and the University Eye Clinic Bonn

Abstract

Bottlenecks in drug supply in the field of ophthalmological are continuously increasing in Germany. So far, these have hardly been communicated and discussed. We see the transparent presentation of the problem as afirst step in compiling concepts to counteract this development. Presentation of the supply shortages in ophthalmological drugs. A listing and discussion of the shortages in drug supply to the best of our knowledge are presented. We distinguish between the problems in (1)supply shortages, (2)discontinuation of production, (3)lack of availability in Germany and (4)manufacture of drugs in specialized pharmacies often lacking approval for the ophthalmological indications. The reasons for drug supply shortages in ophthalmology are complex and therefore no easy solutions can be expected; however, industrial and regulatory authorities at the national and European levels are called upon to analyze the underlying problems and to find appropriate solutions.