Pharmaceutical product discontinuations unrelated to safety

Abstract

SYNOPSISSafety concerns are not the only reason a drug is withdrawn from the market. Other reasons include product portfolio rationalisation, treatment advances, regulatory reviews of efficacy and demands to reformulate products. Government policies on reimbursement can also lead to withdrawals. More rarely, medicolegal issues can result in discontinuation.

Compounding in community pharmacy

“…The size of the Australian market precludes registration of products required for small but significant patient populations and many products are discontinued or unavailable for economic rather than safety reasons. 2 Compounding is often needed for paediatric patients. In a review of all products with approved paediatric indications, around 24% were not available in a form suitable for administration to children.…”