In the case of an imminent or existing severe shortage, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research (EAER) has the authority to mandate the release of compulsory stocks. The Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) determines the release of compulsory stocks on a case-by-case basis, consulting with the holders of such stocks. Patients can then acquire these additional supplies through conventional channels such as pharmacies and doctor's offices.
If the medication is not subject to compulsory stockpiling, there are no mandated stocks anywhere in the country.
The marketing authorization holder of the affected medicine may explore importing supplies if they are available in non-Swiss packaging. They can directly submit an application to the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic) for the temporary importation of identical medicinal products for human use in foreign packaging.
Patients affected can also directly reach out to the marketing authorization holder mentioned on the packaging of the medicinal product.
The marketing authorization holder must submit an application to the responsible department of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Marketing authorization holders are well-versed in these procedures and utilize them for their products whenever feasible.
Additionally, we recommend checking for the availability of substitutes (products with the same active ingredient). If such alternatives are accessible, it is advisable to consult your treating physician for adjustments to your therapy.
In cases where no authorized alternative products are available in Switzerland, unlicensed ready-to-use medicines may be imported into the country in small quantities for a specific patient by healthcare professionals (doctors, pharmacists, or hospital pharmacies). This is in accordance with Article 49, paragraph 1, letters a to c, of the Ordinance on Licensing in the Medicinal Products Sector (Medicinal Products Licensing Ordinance, MPLO, SR 812.212.1). We recommend contacting your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.
In principle, you can always reach out to the marketing authorization holder of a medicine through your pharmacy or an international pharmacy. They can provide detailed information on the product's availability outside of Switzerland.