Infarmed stopped exports of 52 drugs from Portugal; quetiapine supply problem may last until the end of the year

Portuguese pharmaceutical authority Infarmed temporarily stopped the export of 52 medicines from Portugal in order to protect the supply of medicines in the domestic market.

The new list includes antidepressants, painkillers, antibiotics and some drugs used in cancer treatment.

The aim of the measure is not to remove the drugs in question from the market.

On the contrary, the aim is to preserve existing stocks of medicines with supply problems for patients in Portugal.

There is a separate supply problem for Quetiapine

One of the most notable drugs on the list is quetiapina.

163 different presentations of the active substance used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and some cases of depression are subject to export restrictions.

Infarmed reports that the supply shortage of quetiapine may continue until the end of the year.

The source of the problem is the production facility in Greece

The Quetiapine problem does not originate from pharmacies in Portugal.

According to the information provided by Infarmed, microbiological contamination was detected during production at a manufacturer in Greece.

After this, production was stopped.

Since the manufacturer in question supplies products to a significant portion of the license holders marketing quetiapine in Portugal, the halt in production was also reflected in the Portuguese market.

The problem is not unique to Portugal; Other European countries are also affected.

What does “Export banned” mean?

Portuguese legislation to Infarmed, supply problem in the country It gives the authority to temporarily stop the parallel export of critical medicines.

In this system, a drug on the Portuguese market can be sold to another EU country.

However, if the stock in the country becomes insufficient, Infarmed can suspend the export of certain drugs.

Therefore the new decision:

It does not mean “the 52 medicines will no longer be sold in Portugal”, it means “the export of these medicines from Portugal is temporarily restricted”.

What should a patient using Quetiapine do?

A person using a drug experiencing a supply problem should not change or discontinue the treatment at his own discretion.

Whether there are different brands, doses or pharmaceutical options containing the same active ingredient is evaluated by the pharmacist and, if necessary, the doctor.

Dose or medication changes, especially for psychiatric medications, may require medical evaluation.

The patient can check the availability of the medicine he uses from his pharmacy; If necessary, the doctor who wrote the prescription can be contacted.

Resources

Infarmed — Gestão da disponibilidade do medicamento

https://www.infarmed.pt/

Associação de Farmácias de Portugal — 4 October 2026

https://afp.com.pt/atualizacao-da-lista-de-medicamentos-cuja-exportacao-e-temporariamente-suspensa-noticias-2/

Renascença / Lusa — 6 October 2026

https://rr.pt/noticia/pais/2026/10/06/infarmed-proibe-exportacao-de-52-medicamentos/488086/