Germany's Drug Shortages Worsen as Critical Medications Stay Scarce in 2025
Drug shortages persist as a significant concern for German pharmacies in 2025, with over 1,500 shortage reports documented, encompassing more than 1,000 unique supply issues. Crucial medications, including psychotropic drugs and antibiotics, are particularly impacted.
The latest figures expose extensive disruptions across vital treatments. Antipsychotics top the list with 173 shortage reports, affecting 151 distinct product codes (PZNs) and lasting an average of 230 days. Antibiotics follow, with 85 reports across 78 PZNs, averaging 122 days of unavailability. Antidepressants also face severe shortages, logging 130 reports for 126 PZNs, with gaps lasting around 107 days.
Lipid-lowering agents have seen 89 shortage reports, impacting 80 PZNs and lasting 156 days on average. Salbutamol and antiepileptic drugs are especially concerning, as alternatives are scarce. For psychotropic medications, switching active ingredients is rarely straightforward, given their critical role in patient stability.
Germany's dependence on global supply chains, particularly in Asia, leaves it vulnerable to ongoing disruptions. Despite the 2023 Shortages Act introduced by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, no substantial structural improvements have been realized. Pharmacies continue to grapple, with 88% reporting difficulties accessing psychopharmaceuticals and antidepressants in recent months.
The data underscores persistent challenges in securing essential medicines. Shortages span multiple drug categories, with some enduring over seven months. Without robust safeguards, supply instability is likely to continue impacting patient care nationwide.
