Overview

• Medication shortages in France peaked between 2021 and 2023, with cases rising from 1,700 in 2021 to nearly 5,000 in 2023.
• The number of reported shortages declined in 2024 to below 4,000, signaling progress but not resolution.
• All therapeutic classes remain affected, with critical treatments like antibiotics and cardiovascular drugs facing the greatest risks.
• The Drees study attributes the shortages to structural issues in production and distribution, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms.
• Experts call for continued vigilance and action to address the recurring challenges and ensure patient access to life-critical medications.