The resolution includes “Nalbuphine” in Table II of List No. 1 of narcotic drugs and plants, the circulation of which is restricted, the statement says. At the same time, patients who previously received the drug using an electronic prescription will continue to be able to receive it in the appropriate pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription, the ministry emphasizes.
“The changes are designed to ensure a balance between patients’ access to effective pain relief and the protection of society from the abuse of drugs that contain potentially dangerous substances and can harm health during self-medication and cause addiction. And are consistent with the State Strategy in the field of drug policy until 2030, which provides for a systematic approach to the treatment of addictions and the transformation of society’s attitude towards people with addictions, the introduction of high-quality, evidence-based and patient-centered treatment models that meet modern international practices,” – the press service said.
The Ministry of Health reminds that it is working to improve state control over the circulation of medicines containing potentially dangerous substances. In particular, in 2023, Nalbuphine was transferred to the category of drugs dispensed by electronic prescription. The use of the drug Nalbuphine in Ukraine has decreased significantly after the Ministry of Health introduced its sale by electronic prescription in June, according to the PharmXplorer analytical system from Proxima Research. A fourfold decrease was recorded: from 201 thousand packages in June to 47 thousand in August, the ministry notes.
Context
On August 21, 2022, the Ministry of Health wrote that the drug “Nalbufin”, which is mentioned by Russian media propagandists, is not a “combat drug”, but an anesthetic drug.
On September 21, 2024, the Center for National Resistance (CNS), created by the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, reported that “there is evidence of the systematic distribution of narcotic drugs to soldiers of the Russian army by the occupation leadership.” They noted that the confirmation is the documentation available to the CNS. It follows from it that in motorized rifle companies, platoon commanders “fed” their subordinates with narcotic and psychotropic drugs. We are talking about promedol, which is officially prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation, a narcotic analgesic whose properties are similar to morphine or Nalbuphine, which are prohibited for use by Ukrainian military personnel.
On August 21, the government portal reported that the Cabinet of Ministers had adopted the State Drug Policy Strategy until 2030 and approved an operational plan for its implementation, which provides for a systematic approach to the treatment of addictions and regulation of risks associated with the use of medicines.
