About Shortages and Unlicensed Medicines – and How AtrimusRx Can Help
A medicine is considered to be in shortage when the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) is unable to supply it for a period of time. Common causes include manufacturing disruptions, regulatory issues, product withdrawals, or shortages of active pharmaceutical ingredients. In some cases, companies may decide to cease commercial operations and de-register the product from a national market altogether.
In such situations, physicians, healthcare authorities, and local wholesalers must quickly work together to identify suitable alternatives to ensure continuity of care.
Under EU Directive 2001/83/EC, when no equivalent treatment is available locally, physicians are permitted to prescribe a medicine that is not authorized in their country but is approved and marketed in another. This is common in scenarios where:
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A registered drug is in temporary or prolonged shortage
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A product has been permanently withdrawn from the market
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A patient is unresponsive to available treatments and requires access to a therapy not yet launched locally
AtrimusRx – Experts in Sourcing Critical Medicines
At AtrimusRx, we specialize in solving these challenges. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, we are a fully licensed pharmaceutical wholesaler and pharmacy, with a strong focus on the sourcing and supply of unlicensed medicines and shortage alternatives.
We support pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers across Europe—and globally—by ensuring rapid and compliant access to medicines that are otherwise unavailable on the local market.
Our services include:
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Sourcing Swedish and European pharmaceuticals, including low-volume, high-need products
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Providing named patient supply (NPP) and special access medicines
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Access to a portfolio of over 6,000 medicines through our international partner network
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Full regulatory support, including documentation for import/export and controlled drugs
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Transparent, secure, and GDP-compliant distribution
Search Products Instantly – via App or Online
To make sourcing even easier, AtrimusRx provides a dedicated web platform and mobile app, allowing healthcare professionals to quickly check product availability, lead times, and place requests directly.
Our digital tools ensure transparency, speed, and ease of communication—whether you're sourcing a specific medicine or planning ahead for future needs.
A Global Problem, a Focused Solution
Medicine shortages are not isolated events—they are part of a growing global issue. Increasingly, healthcare systems across Europe, Asia, and the Americas rely on cross-border procurement to meet patient needs. However, due to limited supply, high global demand, and sudden export restrictions, access to critical treatments has become more uncertain than ever.
At AtrimusRx, we bridge these gaps. With established supplier relationships, regulatory expertise, and a commitment to patient safety, we provide a reliable sourcing solution for hard-to-find medicines.
Whether you are facing a sudden shortage, need an unlicensed alternative, or are planning for future supply security, AtrimusRx is your trusted partner.
Contact us to find out how we can support your organization.
info[at]atrimusrx.se