The 40-year-old antidepressant medication "Prozac" has ceased supply in Taiwan as of August this year, with the fastest expected halt for National Health Insurance (NHI) claims on November 1. There have been repeated rumors about the drug exiting the Taiwanese market due to NHI price cuts, but the manufacturer announced yesterday that the decision is based on a strategic adjustment within the company, leading to a global cessation of Prozac production by the end of this year.
In 2019, there were indications that Prozac would withdraw from Taiwan due to NHI price cuts. However, in June this year, Eli Lilly Taiwan announced that, based on its developmental goals and market strategy adjustments, it would cease importing the product. Currently, product sales will be based on existing domestic inventory, with an estimated supply halt projected for the end of August 2024 based on current stock levels.
In recent years, many original brand medications have ceased supply in Taiwan, sparking discussions about the low prices of NHI-covered medications. However, Eli Lilly Taiwan issued a statement today clarifying that the decision to withdraw Prozac (Prozac®), used to treat depression, binge eating disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, is based on strategic company adjustments, with a global production halt planned by the end of 2024.
Eli Lilly Taiwan has simultaneously requested healthcare professionals to refrain from prescribing Prozac (Prozac®) to new patients and to assist in prescribing suitable alternative treatments based on clinical judgment. The company is complying with relevant regulations and has reported this to the authorities to minimize the impact.
The National Health Insurance Administration has noted that Prozac has been on the international market for over 40 years, with approximately 2.92 million tablets claimed last year, capturing a market share of 15.3%. Meanwhile, domestic generic products with the same active ingredient have achieved an 85% market share, with 11 alternative medications of the same active ingredient and dosage form covered by NHI.
Resource (mandarin): 40年老藥「百憂解」退出台灣 藥廠證實：今年底全球停產
