Bogotá, October 28, 2022. In response to recent alerts about the shortage of medicines required by patients with cystic fibrosis in Colombia, Claudia Vargas, director of medicines and health care technologies of the ministry, reported that the corresponding follow-up has been initiated in joint work with Invima. They have found that the active ingredient Pancreatin, marketed through the Creon® brand, in its concentration of 25,000 IU is at risk of shortage, due to an unexpected excess demand for the drug. In addition to cystic fibrosis, this drug is also used in the treatment of patients with pancreatin deficiency.

"Creon® is the commercial brand of a medicine with Pancreatin as its active ingredient. What we have documented in this case is that two situations have arisen that have contributed to the product shortage: increased demand for the product identified in the SISMED data, and exiting of the market of one of the pancreatin producers (Allegran). The other authorized holder (Abbott) has not been able to satisfy the demand," reported Vargas.

However, Abbott, the current holder of this product, has advised that it is doing what it can to increase Creon supply, including relocating the product from other countries to increase production/importation.

Similarly, the laboratory stated that it will have units available starting next week and will later receive units for December.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, together with Invima and the actors of the health system, will continue to follow up and monitor the above to guarantee the supply of medicines and medical devices in the country.