The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has recently announced the suspension of the sale of the medicine Norditropin NordiFlex, which contains somatropin and is used to treat various growth-related disorders. This decision comes after a prolonged shortage of the drug, which has made it increasingly difficult to find.
The shortage of Norditropin NordiFlex, produced by Novo Nordisk, has been a cause for concern since April 2023. The lack of availability of the drug has affected patients who depend on this treatment, especially those with a height deficit linked to Noonan Syndrome.
Despite the suspension of the sale of Norditropin NordiFlex, it is important to note that there is no safety concern for those who continue to use the drug. The decision to stop marketing the drug is purely due to the low availability of the product and not because of any safety issues.
In response to this shortage, AIFA has introduced an alternative somatropin medicine as an authorized substitute for Norditropin NordiFlex. Healthcare professionals have been encouraged to inform patients about this change and switch to alternative therapies based on individual assessments and local regulations.
The cost of Norditropin NordiFlex has also been a point of concern, with the list price exceeding $1,500 for the most commonly used pen. In Italy, patients who require the drug benefit from NHS exemptions, but the list price is around 578 euros.
Overall, while the suspension of Norditropin NordiFlex may pose challenges for patients and healthcare providers, the introduction of alternative therapies aims to ensure continued treatment for those in need. The priority remains the health and well-being of patients who rely on somatropin for their medical conditions.