Shortages lead to export ban on erectile dysfunction drug

THE Government has banned exports of an erectile dysfunction medicine due to supply shortages in Britain.

The ban has been imposed on Caverject, the brand name for alprostadil, which is taken by men for whom Viagra does not work. The drug will have to be given to patients in Britain rather than sold abroad for higher profit.

Caverject, produced by Pfizer, has been beset by shortages and last year the company notified its Irish suppliers of a two-month shortage due to “global supply constraints”. It is thought that the dearth has been worsened by people stockpiling in anticipation of supply problems caused by a no-deal Brexit. Last year, Pfizer supplied 270,000 doses of the drug to Britain.

Tet Yap, a consultant urologist with London Urology Associates, told The Times: “Supplies of this drug have been intermittent for many years and getting hold of it has been a nightmare. I imagine with Brexit on the horizon that has led to further problems … It is fantastic that the Government has taken some extreme action – I wonder if someone in the Government suffers from erectile dysfunction?

“For men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, the drug is a real lifesaver. It’s used particularly by men who have had surgery for prostate cancer or people who suffer from diabetes. It’s the next step if Viagra doesn’t work.”

It is only the second time the Department of Health and Social Care has taken such action after this month banning the export of 27 types of medication, including all hormone replacement therapy drugs, epipens and some blood-thinning pills.

A spokesman for Pfizer said: “We are aware Caverject has been included on the Government’s list of medicines to protect supplies for patients in the UK.

“We will continue to work with the Department of Health and Social Care to support the effective supply of all Pfizer medicines for patients in the UK.”