As someone relatively new to Spain, I’ve recently visited several farmacias to buy some household staples like ibuprofen and amoxicillin for my child, only to be told they were out of stock or only had specific dosages. I asked the pharmacist, who confirmed this is a nationwide issue, with many common medicines in short supply. Has anyone else encountered a similar situation? It’s a bit unsettling, as every household needs these for common ailments like headaches and fevers.
According to news reports and a pharmacist friend, the reasons for this wave of shortages impacting Spanish medical supplies are quite complex. On one hand, the autumn and winter seasons bring a spike in respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and various colds, causing a surge in demand for antibiotics and fever-reducing painkillers. On the other hand, global supply chain issues, including rising costs of raw pharmaceutical materials and transportation disruptions, have prevented drug manufacturers from keeping up with market demand. This has led to the current situation, with shortages being particularly severe for children’s antibiotics.
Based on information from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) and various news reports, I have compiled a list of the main categories of medicines that are currently difficult to find. This situation is a significant concern, alongside other reported issues like the [theft of medical supplies]. You can use this list as a reference to check your own medicine cabinet.
Main Types of Medicines in Shortage
Common Pain and Fever Reducers
The most affected are ibuprofen and paracetamol. Oral solutions for children, in particular, are out of stock in many places. While the situation is better for adult versions, higher-dose formats are also becoming harder to find.
Antibiotics
Amoxicillin is the ‘epicenter’ of this shortage, especially the combination formula with clavulanic acid. This is mainly because it is one of the first-choice drugs for treating bacterial infections in children.
| Generic Name | Common Brand Name | Main Use |
|---|
| Amoxicillin | Augmentine, Clamoxyl | Bacterial infections |
| Ibuprofen | Dalsy, Junifen | Fever and pain relief for children |
| Paracetamol | Apiretal, Efferalgan | Fever and pain relief |
| Metformin | Dianben | Treats type 2 diabetes |
In the face of this situation, there is no need for the general public to panic. First and foremost, do not hoard medications, as this only worsens the shortage and prevents those who genuinely need them from getting access. If you are sick and require medication, the best approach is to see a doctor. They can prescribe the most appropriate treatment based on your condition and current pharmacy stock. Sometimes, a doctor can prescribe an alternative drug with the same active ingredient but a different brand or dosage. For example, if 600mg ibuprofen is unavailable, the 400mg version might still be in stock, a common topic when discussing [healthcare in Spain]. In short, it is always best to follow your doctor’s advice. Let’s hope this shortage passes quickly, and I wish everyone good health!
