European Medicines Agency launches awareness campaign on medicine shortages

“It takes a team” is the name of the new public awareness campaign on medicine shortages launched by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The initiative includes the participation of the PGEU, representing community pharmacists across Europe.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the measures taken to prevent and manage medicine shortages within the European Union, as well as to highlight the role of all stakeholders involved in this process, such as regulatory authorities, pharmacists, and the pharmaceutical industry.

“Fighting medicine shortages is like playing on a well-coordinated team — each player has a role, and everyone must work together,” explains the EMA.

Medicine shortages have a significant impact on the daily work of community pharmacists. In 2024, they spent an average of 10.6 hours per week managing this issue, which includes finding alternatives for patients to ensure continuity of treatment.

“Medicine shortages are a growing concern across Europe. Pharmacists are rising to the challenge. We are on the front line, helping people continue their treatments safely, even when their usual medicines are not available,” says PGEU President Clare Fitzell in a video released as part of the EMA awareness campaign.