A serious shortage of the medicine had already been reported since April 2023 based on somatropin Norditropin NordiFlex 15mg/1.5ml injectable solution, as communicated by AIFA. The situation has worsened with new news: the definitive suspension of the sale of this medicine, in all its authorized versions.
The reason lies in the scarcity of the product
Norditropin NordiFlex contains somatropina growth hormone used to treat various growth-related disorders in both children and adults. This disruption in its availability has made it difficult to manage patients who depend on this treatment.
The main reason for the suspension of the Norditropin NordiFlex drug is to be found in the very low availability of the product, which severely affected patients, as it represented the only therapeutic option authorized in Italy for the treatment of those who have a height deficit linked to Noonan Syndrome. For this very reason, AIFA has taken measures by inserting another somatropin medicine on the list of authorized substances for this indication.
The change to alternative therapies is not easy. Healthcare workers were invited in the AIFA statement to inform patients and switch to alternative therapies based on their assessment and local regulations.
Stopping treatment with Norditropin NordiFlex carries risks for both children and adults. In children, early discontinuation may compromise the effectiveness of treatment, while in adults, it may lead to complications related to health and body composition.
How much does Norditropin NordiFlex cost
The shortage of the drug was also reported last year in the United States, when the spokeswoman for Novo Nordiskthe Danish manufacturer of the drug, responded to the numerous criticisms and requests: “Unforeseen circumstances have led to longer than expected ramp-up times to expand capacity in our new production facility and meet the ever-increasing global demand for Norditropin ”.
The shortage of Norditropin has created problems accessing the drug through the company’s patient assistance programs, including one that provides the medicine free of charge to those who need it and meet the requirements. Norditropin represents a significant investment: the list price for the most commonly used pen stands at $1,535.70, while a one-month supply can exceed $6,000, according to GoodRx, a website that specializes in offering drug discounts to patients. In Italy those who need it benefit from the exemption from the NHS, but the list price is around 578 eurosaccording to data from Pharmap.
What to do when a medicine is withdrawn
If the recall of the medicine involves an over-the-counter product, it is advisable to refrain from taking it and return it to the point of sale. Sometimes companies operate a toll-free number to provide information to consumers about the refund process.
However, if the recall concerns a prescription drug, it is essential to immediately contact your doctor and pharmacist to obtain advice on how to proceed, including switching to an alternative therapy and correctly disposing of the medicine.
Although only in rare cases the recall is motivated by serious and immediate health risks, we must remain vigilant: any anomaly in the packaging, in the packaging of the medicine, the presence of suspicious odors or foreign bodies, or the appearance of unusual symptoms after intake, must be promptly reported to the attending physician.
