Background and importance Hospital management of drugs is a complicated task and it is necessary to take into account different factors, such as average consumption, seasonal variations, cost, physical space available for storage and therapeutic innovations. Currently, this task is hampered by the numerous supply issues (SI) that in many cases affect regularly used drugs. These problems can lead to shortages and produce lack of effectiveness of treatments, compromise patient safety and increase treatment costs.

Aim and objectives To analyse non-oncohaematologic SI and their impact on the management of drugs in the pharmacy service of a hospital.

Material and methods This was a prospective study to evaluate SI between June and November 2018 The variables collected were: start and end dates of SI, ATC code and if the drugs were considered essential according to the WHO, if they produced shortages, if SI had alternatives (same dose and same route of administration) and if the SI was registered on the official website of the Spanish Government (AEMPS) when detected. An economic analysis of SI was made with all the data registered in an Excel sheet. SI were evaluated if they caused any inconvenience to the pharmacy service (drug restriction, management and preparation difficulties).

Results There were 76 SI affecting 74 drugs. The average duration was 64 days (range 2–224) and 53% of the affected drugs were considered essential according to the WHO. Most affected ATC groups were: J (22%), C (16%), B (12%), N (12%), H (8%), V (7%), A (5%), G (5%), D (4%), S (4%) L (3%), P (1%) and R (1%); in 29% there was a stock shortage, 60% of SI had an alternative and 47% of SI were not registered on AEMPS.

The total additional cost of supply problems was 52.054,04 € and 38% of SI were inconvenient for the pharmacy service.

Conclusion and relevance Considering that most of the supply problems involved essential drugs, these problems can compromise the quality of healthcare and patient safety. The J group was the most affected group which could result in an increase in antibiotic resistance if it increased the consumption of broad spectrum antibiotics. AEMPS must improve SI information. Shortages usually increase treatment costs.

References and/or acknowledgements No conflict of interest.