New generic versions of diabetes medication have reached the Portuguese market, promising significant savings for patients and the state. However, a patient association is warning that shortages in pharmacies could undermine these benefits, according to a report by Público.
The new generics, which have entered the market recently, are priced at roughly half the cost of the original brand-name drugs. This price reduction is expected to benefit the roughly 900,000 patients in Portugal who use these treatments, as reported by Jornal Económico. The same outlet estimates that the wider use of these generics could save the state around €45 million.
Despite the potential savings, the patient association cited by Público has raised concerns about availability. If pharmacies do not consistently stock the new generics, patients may be forced to buy the more expensive brand-name versions, negating the financial relief the generics were meant to provide. The association is urging doctors to prioritize prescribing the new generic options to help ensure demand and stabilize supply.
The Diário de Notícias also highlighted the price cut, confirming that the new generics halve the cost of treatment. The development is part of a broader push to make diabetes care more affordable in Portugal, where type 2 diabetes affects a large segment of the population.
What to watch next: Whether pharmacy supply chains can keep up with demand and if the state will take steps to enforce generic availability at the point of sale.
