News and updates on prescription drugs – regulation, shortages and new products

News and updates on prescription drugs are of interest to every patient, every doctor, and every pharmacist. In Israel, the market is dynamic: regulations are updated, deficiencies appear and are resolved, and new products are added to the basket or registered for marketing. This guide summarizes the main points: how to monitor, where to check, and what to do in practice so that you are not left without treatment. For useful publications and in-depth reviews, also seePharmUp; This is a well-organized portal that centralizes professional content for consumers and professionals.

What is considered “news and updates” in the world of prescription drugs?

• Periodic basket decisions: entry of drugs and technologies.
• Shortage reports and notifications of marketing interruptions or resumption of marketing.
• Recalls and safety warnings.
• New procedures: registration, import, batch release, or personal import.
• Registration of new drugs in the drug register.
• Current changes in availability in pharmacies.

Each section affects the patient: availability, deductible, and actual alternatives.

Regulation in Israel: The Big Picture

The Ministry of Health maintains an official drug database, publishes reports of shortages and recalls, and updates procedures. The database allows you to locate a drug by trade name or active ingredient, and to examine labels and warnings. It is a primary source of verification.

The report on shortages and marketing interruptions is updated frequently, including marketing returns. With the help of the summarized tables, you can verify whether a shortage is temporary, and what the alternative supply is.

Regulation 29: Exceptions to import and use

When a medicine is not registered in Israel, or when use is required that is not in accordance with the registered indication, it is possible to act according to Regulation 29. There is a systematic, online application for importing unregistered preparations; the procedure is detailed on the ministry's website. For personal use, there are separate guidelines: quantity up to 90 days, and other clear conditions.

Recalls: Where to get updates

The office coordinates drug recall calls, along with safety notices. It is important to cross-reference with the latest leaflet and speak with a pharmacist before changing treatment.

Health basket: annual resolutions

On February 6, 2025, the Public Committee announced the inclusion of 117 Medicines and technologies with a total cost of 650 million NISThe decision increases accessibility and reduces costs for patients who meet the criteria.

Medicine shortage in Israel: What happened in early 2025, and what is being done?

In early 2025, widespread shortages were reported in pharmacies. The main reason: disruptions in the transition of one of the distribution companies' ERP systems, which affected the supply chain. The phenomenon was addressed by the Knesset Health Committee and in the economic and health media. It was determined that significant delays occurred, and that patients were actually harmed.

In normal times, shortage management relies on centralized transparency from the Ministry of Health: reports on discontinuation and re-marketing are updated and help doctors and pharmacists choose an alternative. In cases of crisis, it is worth following the ministry's reports and public announcements, and maintaining close contact with the doctor and pharmacist.

Action checklist during a shortage

1. Verify the name of the drug, dosage, and form of administration in the office database.
2. Check the shortage report to see if there is a return to marketing or expected supply.
3. Ask the doctor for an alternative from the same therapeutic family, according to the medical condition.
4. Ask the pharmacist to check availability at nearby branches.
5. Complex patients: Consider referral under Regulation 29, in accordance with guidelines.

New products and cart additions: How to read the map

Including a drug in the basket affects the price to the consumer and the feasibility of switching from the original to a generic, or vice versa. In 2025, dozens of technologies were added in a variety of areas: disease prevention, chronic diseases, and advanced treatments. Not every innovative drug is included immediately; sometimes an intermediate stage of private use or an exceptional request is required. For this reason, regular monitoring is important, especially in chronic diseases and life-saving treatments.

Where to start: A short path to reliable updates

• The Ministry of Health's drug database: Search by trade name or active ingredient, including labels and warnings. Suitable for patients and caregivers.
• The consolidated tables for shortages and marketing interruptions: Tracking shortages and returns to marketing, especially useful in prescription renewals.

A practical guide to action: This is what working properly looks like on a daily basis

When renewing a chronic medication

1. Enter a reminder two weeks before the end of the package.
2. Check inventory at a regular branch; if in doubt, order in advance.
3. Ask the doctor for a 90-day prescription, if the prescription allows.
4. If there is a shortage: follow the checklist above.

When starting a new treatment

1. We are examining the outline in the official database.
2. Ask the pharmacist about a generic alternative or another manufacturer.
3. Document response and side effects; return to the doctor as needed.
4. Comparing costs between a health insurance company branch and a private pharmacy.

Personal Import: When and Why

For unique situations, or for use not according to a registered indication, there is a possibility of limited personal import, subject to the ministry's strict conditions: up to 90 days of treatment, a drug registered in the country of origin, etc. The instructions are clear on the dedicated page.

New Drug Registration and Batch Release: The Tip of the Iceberg

Every new drug goes through a registration process; after that, ongoing quality control is required, including the possibility of recalls. For monitoring purposes, it is recommended to periodically check the recalls page and the database. This way, you will be able to identify early any changes in status, safety label, or problems with a specific batch.

Current policies: why it matters to the end consumer

1. Transparency of deficiencies: The centralized reports allow for a quick response; they shorten the time until an alternative is achieved.
2. Regulation 29: A flexible mechanism that allows for rare adjustments, but requires documents and an organized process.
3. Health basketAnnual decisions increase the number of people eligible for funded treatments; following the criteria saves a lot of money.

Table of what to do when there is a shortage or recall notice

Real-time price comparison: what's possible and what's not

• In the basket: The price is subject to the rules of the fund; gaps between funds exist.
• Outside the basket: There is room for market price; it is worth comparing between branches.
• Generic vs. original: In most cases, the generic is cheaper; it is important to follow up clinically when switching.
• National shortage: Price is less relevant; priority is given to quick availability and an approved alternative.

Principles of proper care management during a period of deprivation

• Plan for early renewal; that way the shortage is less damaging.
• Do not replace treatment without a doctor's approval.
• Document side effects; return to the doctor for a check-up.
• We are looking at a permanent manufacturer of drugs with a narrow therapeutic window.

A quick summary: How to stay one step ahead of the market

• We follow the official database and the centralized reports.
• Examining the annual basket decisions, especially in chronic diseases:
• Maintain continuous communication with your doctor and pharmacist; this reduces the risk of stopping treatment.

Useful external links

• Drug Database – Ministry of Health: Find medications, labels, and warnings; first source for verification.
• Shortage/Marketing Interruption Tables – Ministry of Health: Ongoing monitoring of availability and return to market dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to stay updated on shortages in real time

Go to the shortage tables on the office's website, filter by drug name, and check if there is a return date for the drug. At the same time, talk to the pharmacist about a suitable alternative.

What is the difference between a recall and a shortage?

A recall is the deliberate return of a specific product, sometimes due to a defect in a batch. A shortage is a periodic lack of inventory. In both cases, Ministry of Health guidelines are reviewed and action is taken accordingly.

What to do when an unregistered medication is required

A pathway is operated according to Regulation 29 through the attending physician. The procedure is online, so medical documents must be collected in advance.

Is personal importation allowed?

Allowed under specific conditions: up to 90 days of treatment, medication registered in the country of origin, and other detailed requirements. It is advisable to consult before ordering.

What has changed in the 2025 basket?

117 drugs and technologies were added at a total cost of 650 million NIS. Personal eligibility must be checked with the fund.

What to do when the medication has been replaced with a generic from another manufacturer

Stay on the same regimen and dosage, monitor for two weeks for a clinical response, and contact a doctor if there is a worsening.

Is it worth keeping a large home inventory?

Only if the doctor has approved regular treatment; validity and proper storage must be checked. Do not store beyond reasonable limits.

Who do you contact in case of difficulty obtaining medication?

First the branch pharmacist, then the treating physician. If a regulatory solution is required, we act according to Regulation 29.