Brexit Could Cause ‘Shortage Of Crucial HIV Fighting Drug’
Following the U.K.’s exit from the European Union, pharmacists fear that the supplies of the pill used to prevent the transmission of the HIV virus are under threat.
The Department of Health has said it is doing all it can to make sure patients have access to the medicines they need following Brexit, according to The Mirror.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We fully understand the concerns some people have about the availability of medicines and we want to reassure them we are doing everything we can to make sure patients can access the medicines they need after Brexit on 31 October, whatever the circumstances. We have no evidence to suggest current or previous supply issues are linked to Brexit.” However, a consultant pharmacist with Doctor 4, James O’Loan, said that Brexit uncertainty had made PrEP manufacturers “jittery”. "PrEP is a groundbreaking step forward in eradicating HIV.
However, a consultant pharmacist with Doctor 4, James O’Loan, said that Brexit uncertainty had made PrEP manufacturers “jittery”.
"PrEP is a groundbreaking step forward in eradicating HIV.
"By stopping the virus from taking hold in your body, it makes sure that you stay HIV-negative despite the status of your partner or partners.
"And it’s a product where demand is high. PrEP first became available through Doctor 4 U in 2017, and between 2018 and now sales have risen over 1,200%.
"But with Brexit looming, all drug manufacturers are having to relicense products from the EMA (European Medicines Agency) to the Government’s own MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
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