Quetiapine Shortage Sparks Alarm Among Mental Health Professionals
The psychiatric community is facing a critical challenge as a severe shortage of quetiapine, a widely prescribed antipsychotic medication, disrupts treatment plans for thousands of patients. The National medicines Safety agency (ANSM) announced on January 30, 2025, that the drug is experiencing “strong supply tensions on all dosages” due to a production issue at pharmathen International, the Greek manufacturer responsible for the base molecule.Quetiapine, marketed under the brand name Xeroquel by French laboratory Cheplapharm adn available in generic forms, is a cornerstone in treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is also used, albeit less commonly, in managing depression as an adjunct to conventional antidepressants. The ANSM has urged healthcare providers to restrict prescriptions, reserving quetiapine primarily for bipolar disorder cases and favoring alternatives for othre indications, including schizophrenia.
However, the substitution of quetiapine is far from straightforward. “in psychiatry,drugs are rarely interchangeable,” warns psychiatrist Antoine Pélissolo,who frist raised the alarm earlier this week. He emphasized the risks of abruptly discontinuing quetiapine, including severe side effects and potential relapses. “Stocks in pharmacies are exhausted everywhere or in the process of being. However, this medication should not be abruptly interrupted, at the risk of side effects and especially possibly serious relapses, and it is very complicated to define, on a case-by-case basis, a replacement molecule,” he explained.
The ANSM has implemented several measures to mitigate the crisis, including a ban on exports and a call to prioritize alternative treatments. Yet, the lack of interaction from pharmaceutical companies has drawn criticism. Pélissolo has called on the Ministry of Health to address the issue, highlighting the heightened risk of suicidal behavior in patients whose treatment is interrupted.
This shortage is part of a broader trend of drug shortages that has plagued healthcare systems globally in recent years. Authorities are scrambling to find solutions, but the complexity of psychiatric treatments makes this particular shortage especially concerning.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Affected Drug | Quetiapine (Xeroquel and generics) |
| Primary Uses | Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, adjunct in depression |
| Cause of Shortage | Production issue at Pharmathen International |
| ANSM Measures | Export ban, restricted prescriptions, prioritization of alternatives |
| Risks of Discontinuation | Severe side effects, relapses, suicidal behavior |
As the situation unfolds, mental health professionals and patients alike are left grappling with the uncertainty of treatment continuity. The ANSM continues to monitor the crisis, but the road to resolution remains unclear. For now,the focus remains on minimizing harm and finding viable alternatives for those who depend on this life-saving medication.
Quetiapine Shortage Sparks Alarm: Expert Insights on the Crisis
The ongoing shortage of quetiapine,a critical medication for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia,has sent shockwaves through the psychiatric community.With production issues at Pharmathen International disrupting supply, the ANSM (National Medicines Safety Agency) has implemented emergency measures, including export bans and restricted prescriptions. In this interview, Senior Editor Sarah Collins of World-Today-News speaks with Dr. Marie Laurent, a leading psychiatrist and expert in antipsychotic therapies, to discuss the implications of this crisis and potential solutions.
Understanding the Scope of the Quetiapine Shortage
Sarah Collins: Dr. Laurent, thank you for joining us. Can you start by explaining how significant this shortage is and why quetiapine is so vital for patients?
Dr.Marie Laurent: Absolutely, Sarah. Quetiapine, often marketed as Xeroquel, is a cornerstone in treating psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It’s also used as an adjunct in managing depression. The shortage is alarming as abrupt discontinuation can led to severe side effects, including relapses and even suicidal behavior.This isn’t just a supply issue—it’s a public health crisis.
The Root Cause: Production Challenges at Pharmathen
Sarah Collins: The shortage is reportedly due to production issues at Pharmathen International.Can you elaborate on what’s happening there?
Dr. Marie Laurent: Pharmathen is a key manufacturer of the base molecule for quetiapine. While specifics aren’t fully disclosed, production disruptions at their facility have created a bottleneck. This has led to what the ANSM describes as “strong supply tensions on all dosages.” It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of our pharmaceutical supply chains.
ANSM Measures: What’s Being Done to Address the Crisis?
Sarah Collins: The ANSM has implemented several measures, including an export ban and restricted prescriptions. How effective are these steps in mitigating the impact?
Dr. Marie Laurent: These measures are crucial but insufficient on their own.The export ban helps preserve domestic supply, and restricted prescriptions ensure quetiapine is prioritized for bipolar disorder cases.However, finding viable alternatives for othre conditions is complex. Psychiatric medications are rarely interchangeable, and switching treatments can be risky without careful oversight.
Risks of Discontinuation and patient Safety
Sarah Collins: You’ve mentioned the risks of abruptly stopping quetiapine. Can you elaborate on what patients and healthcare providers should be aware of?
Dr. Marie Laurent: Abrupt discontinuation can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, agitation, and nausea. For patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, it significantly increases the risk of relapse. In some cases, it can escalate to suicidal behavior. It’s critical that patients do not stop taking the medication without consulting their healthcare provider to develop a safe transition plan.
Looking Ahead: Solutions and Long-Term Strategies
Sarah Collins: What steps can be taken to prevent such shortages in the future, and what immediate solutions are available?
Dr. Marie Laurent: In the short term, the focus is on alternative treatments, though these must be carefully selected and monitored. Long-term, we need greater clarity from pharmaceutical companies and diversified supply chains to reduce reliance on single manufacturers. Collaboration between healthcare providers, regulators, and manufacturers is essential to ensure these life-saving medications remain accessible.
Conclusion
the quetiapine shortage underscores the vulnerabilities in our pharmaceutical supply chains and the challenges of managing psychiatric care. As Dr. Laurent emphasized, patient safety must remain the top priority, and immediate action is needed to mitigate the crisis. While the road to resolution might potentially be uncertain, the measures being implemented by the ANSM and the efforts of healthcare professionals offer hope for affected patients.
