The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) calls on healthcare professionals to apply the measures put in place to best manage available stocks.
Prescription management:
Initiation of treatment :
New rifampicin prescriptions are now reserved for public and private health facilities as well as Tuberculosis Control Centers (CLAT). Before dispensing rifampicin, check that the prescription is accompanied by the form certifying the patient’s eligibility. If everything is in order, send this form to the laboratory concerned (Sanofi for Rifadine® and Rifinah®, Sandoz for Rimactan®) in order to obtain treatment quickly. In the event of incomplete or missing documents, contact the prescriber or the establishment’s internal pharmacy (PUI) to resolve the situation.
Renewal of treatment :
Make sure the prescription clearly states that it is a refill, then complete the form with the patient’s weight before sending it to the lab. If the patient already has a completed form and the refill prescription, the procedure is the same as for initiation.
The necessary documents are available on the ANSM website. Send requests to specific email addresses provided by the laboratories ([email protected] for Rifadine® and Rifinah®, [email protected] for Rimactan®).
Inventory management and quotas:
Rifampicin-based drugs are subject to strict quotas, with priority distribution to patients for whom no therapeutic alternative is possible. Each stock is distributed in a way that ensures that patients receive their care in a timely manner.
Since the end of July, Sanofi has been behind in processing formsdue to an increase in demand and internal constraints. The ANSM, in conjunction with the laboratories, is working to reduce these delays through several measures. For pharmacies, Sanofi has implemented a new process, thus speeding up the delivery of medicines.
As for healthcare establishments, since September 3, 2024, an exceptional allocation equivalent to one month of stock, based on consumption in previous months, has been proposed by Sanofi.
Role of pharmacists in managing supply tensions:
- Rigorous verification of prescriptions : It is essential to ensure that the prescription and form are correctly completed and comply with current criteria. Errors or omissions can cause delays in the delivery of medications, with direct impacts on the patient.
- Communication with prescribers : If there is any doubt about the validity or conformity of the documents, immediately contact the prescribing physician or the PUI to resolve the problem before any issuance.
- Patient information : It is important to clearly explain to patients the current supply situation and its possible consequences. Reassure them that their treatment will continue if it is already underway, or inform them that an alternative treatment may be proposed by the prescriber in the event of rifampicin being unavailable.
Key points to remember to avoid delays:
Pharmacists must ensure that the request form is completed and accompanied by the prescription. Any omissions or inaccuracies in the documents may result in additional delays, impacting the availability of medicines for patients.
Requests should be sent to the email addresses provided by the laboratories ([email protected] for Rifadine® and Rifinah®, [email protected] for Rimactan®).
If needed, telephone support is available to help pharmacists manage requests and resolve any issues. The platform is accessible from Monday to Friday at the following numbers:
0 800 394 000 (Metropolitan France) / 0 200 626 626 (DROM-COM).
