Krasnoyarsk residents were told about the situation with the shortage of vital medicine

Patients are massively reporting a shortage of the Russian drug Azathioprine. It is the basic therapy for severe autoimmune diseases and is included in the list of vital and essential drugs, since its availability is critical for treatment.

It is necessary to take Azathioprine regularly, but those who need it say that it has disappeared from the market. Deputy of the Legislative Assembly Ilya Zaitsev, who oversees the healthcare sector in the region, spoke about the situation with the opportunity to purchase this medicine in Krasnoyarsk pharmacies:

“The problem, unfortunately, is not regional. Now the drug is virtually unavailable for retail sale throughout the country – the maximum price is being negotiated between the manufacturer and the Federal Antimonopoly Service. Until the price is registered, dispensing in pharmacies is impossible. Federal media reported this. According to the regional Ministry of Health, the drug was purchased for preferential categories, is available in pharmacies and at an authorized warehouse, and is dispensed upon issuance of a preferential prescription by the attending physician. For patients without benefits, you need to contact your doctor to select an alternative therapy for the period that the drug is not available on the pharmaceutical market. In each specific case, the attending physician makes a decision on an individual basis, depending on the course of the disease, prevalence and severity, and the presence of complications. Selection of alternative treatment is possible.”

Ilya Zaitsev also commented on the temporary suspension by Rospotrebnadzor of the circulation of the Innovanta Standard/Energy batch of specialized food in the country due to inconsistencies in a number of indicators. During the inspection, it turned out that this product was not purchased or supplied as part of centralized procurement for patients in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. “This means that there is no cause for concern in terms of state provision. At the same time, it is important to remain attentive when shopping on your own. If you have any doubts about a specific product, it is better to consult your doctor,” the deputy urged.

Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Krasnoyarsk Territory