Pharmacies in Montenegro are facing shortages of several medications used to treat cardiovascular and neurological conditions, including metoprolol, ventolin, clonazepam, tiramat (topiramate), quetra, and the antibiotic dovicin. Private pharmacies told CdM that new supplies of metoprolol are expected in April or May.
Montefarm said it is not a direct importer and does not control market supply, as medicines are procured through public tenders involving authorised importers and wholesalers. If a drug cannot be supplied by manufacturers or importers, it becomes unavailable across the entire market, affecting both state-run and private pharmacies.
Metoprolol XL is currently unavailable due to production issues, with deliveries expected in April, while ventolin has already been delivered and is now available. Clonazepam and tiramat are unavailable because no importers are supplying them, or their registrations have expired. Deliveries of the antibiotic dovicin are delayed, with supplies expected in early February.
Montefarm noted that therapeutic alternatives exist for all listed medicines, including Keppra as a substitute for quetra, and emphasised that temporary shortages do not indicate a disruption of the healthcare system. Patients are advised to consult their doctors about appropriate replacement therapies.