What steps is the Welsh Government taking to address the disruption to the supply of the TOBI Podhaler for inhaled tobramycin which is required as part of treatment of pseudomonas infection in some people with cystic fibrosis?
The UK Government is responsible for the regulation of medicines and the medicines supply chain for the whole of the UK. When there are issues, we work closely with the UK Government, devolved governments, and the NHS, manufacturers, wholesalers, prescribers and pharmacies.
We are aware of a supply issue affecting Tobi Podhaler® (tobramycin) 28mg inhalation capsules. The sole supplier has informed the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) of manufacturing issues and is expecting to be out of stock until May 2025.
DHSC is working with the manufacturer and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to explore a range of mitigations, including the potential to extend the expiry dates on some stock and using stock from non-UK markets. We will be issuing advice to healthcare professionals to manage the shortage.
To provide the public with timely advice about medicines shortages, a new page on the Welsh Government website has been created: Medicines shortages | GOV.WALES This provides general advice about why shortages can occur, how they are managed and specific information relating to significant disruptions that are likely to cause concern.