Production problems have limited the availability of a key chemotherapy medication. The National Coordination Centre for Medicines reports that these constraints will persist for several months. While importing stocks from abroad has slightly improved the supply in recent weeks, the situation remains a concern.
The shortage affects ifosfamide, which is sold under the brand name Holoxan. This drug inhibits the growth of cancer cells, which helps other treatments work more effectively to cure patients. Medical teams use Holoxan to treat various conditions, including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and several types of paediatric cancer.
Health authorities have issued specific advice to doctors to manage the limited supply. For new patients, clinicians should round down the prescribed dosages. In cases involving children with cancer, doctors may change the treatment sequence to postpone the Holoxan course by several weeks.
Health officials will continue to monitor the supply chain closely to minimise the impact on patient outcomes. While these temporary measures require careful clinical management, the aim is to ensure that every patient receives the necessary treatment during this period of limited production.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
