Patients raise alarm about medication shortage at local clinic and hospital
Patients expressed concern about the Olanzapine shortage, with the city saying the shortage is due to manufacturing issues and the timeline is uncertain.
Patients receiving treatment at Springs Clinic have raised concerns over an ongoing shortage of Olanzapine, saying the medication has been unavailable for more than a month.
Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
One patient, Siphesihle Nkosi, told the Springs Advertiser that both he and his mother were diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia and received treatment at Springs Clinic.
Nkosi said both were prescribed Olanzapine, a medication they rely on as part of their treatment.
According to the patient, the shortage has also affected other public healthcare facilities.
“I was referred to a hospital and they are also experiencing the same problem”
Siphesihle Nkosi.
He explained that nurses at Springs Clinic told him that another hospital and other government medical facilities were also experiencing shortages.
Nkosi highlighted that he was informed that the shortage was linked to a supplier problem. He also claimed nurses had told him that the shortage had contributed to some patients being hospitalised after being unable to access their medication.
He said that he and his mother had not experienced a relapse because they had been sharing medication they had previously received.
However, Nkosi indicated that the supply was running low, leaving them concerned about what would happen once it ran out.
“We are running out and it is a bad thing because those pills affect one’s sleeping habits and without them one is unable to sleep,” he said.
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The City of Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, told the publication that the city is aware of the shortage at Springs Clinic.
He explained that the shortage started six months ago with stock delivered in low quantities and that it is due to an active pharmaceutical ingredient shortage from manufacturing companies.
“The shortage is related to supplier issues. We have an outstanding order due to be delivered when stock is available.
“Patients were informed of the situation and the alternatives available, but perhaps not all could be reached,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini noted that Risperidone and Quetiapine can be used as alternative medication for patients who are unable to get Olanzapine. He said that as it is a manufacturing issue, there is no timeline as to when the tablets will be available again to patients.
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