What is the Welsh Government doing to ensure the supply of immediate release quetiapine is maintained for people with schizophrenia, following reports of shortages which is causing great concern to patients?
Maintaining the continuity of supply of medicines to the UK is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the UK Government.
While there were supply issues affecting a number of quetiapine preparations during the summer, these have now been resolved. However, it can take some time for supplies at community pharmacies to normalise as prescriptions held back due to a lack of supply are processed.
To mitigate these supply issues, a number of Serious Shortage Protocols were in effect from 16 July to 13 September allowing pharmacists to substitute equivalent quetiapine preparations when the one prescribed was not available. These protocols were not renewed after 13 September because the cause of the disruption has now been resolved.
To provide people with timely advice about medicines shortages, a new page on the Welsh Government website has been created. Here you will find general advice on why shortages can occur, how they are managed, as well as specific information relating to significant disruptions that are likely to cause concern: Medicines shortages | GOV.WALES