I wonder if anyone else has had the same experience as me lately. I’ve been to several pharmacies trying to buy some common household medicines, only to be told “No tenemos” (We don’t have it)… Especially basic antibiotics like amoxicillin and children’s ibuprofen syrup, which have become a rare find. It never used to be difficult to buy medicine in Spain. What’s going on?
I chatted with a pharmacist I know, and he said this situation has been going on for a while. On one hand, global supply chains haven’t fully recovered since the pandemic, and the production of many raw materials can’t keep up. On the other hand, it seems that rising energy prices have significantly increased manufacturing and transportation costs. This has reduced the incentive for pharmaceutical companies to produce some common, low-profit drugs. It’s quite a frustrating situation, and it seems we, the general public, are the ones bearing the consequences.
What Should We Do?
Faced with this situation, we can’t just sit and wait. I’ve summed up a few solutions I’ve figured out on my own, and I’m sharing them here in hopes they can help:
Look for Alternative Medications
Whenever your doctor prescribes medication, or when you’re buying over-the-counter drugs, if you encounter a shortage, you can proactively ask the pharmacist if there’s a “medicamento genérico” (generic drug) or an alternative with similar ingredients and the same effect. They are usually very professional and can provide suitable recommendations. Just be sure not to switch medications on your own! It’s also worth keeping an eye on changing [medical supply prices].
Common Shortage Medications and Potential Alternatives
Below is a table of common shortages and possible alternatives. When considering your options, it’s a good idea to use a resource for checking medicine prices.
| Commonly Shortage Drug | Use | Potential Alternatives for Spanish medical supplies |
|---|
| Amoxicilina | Bacterial infections | Other types of penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics |
| Ibuprofeno | Fever reduction and pain relief for children | Paracetamol syrup or suppositories |
| Ozempic | Type 2 diabetes | Other GLP-1 receptor agonists or switch to another plan as per doctor’s advice |
The most crucial point is, Do not hoard medicine! Do not hoard medicine! Do not hoard medicine
! I have to say it three times because it’s important. Panic buying only worsens the shortage, making it harder for those who genuinely need the medication to get it. We just need to ensure we have a small first-aid kit at home with a few days’ supply. That’s more than enough. Let’s hope this period of medicine shortages passes quickly, and everyone stays healthy and well in Spain!
