Product specific updates- Shortages

This page contains additional updates on specific medicines currently in short supply.

Shortages of prolonged-release tablets of quetiapine

There are ongoing supply interruptions for medicines containing prolonged-release quetiapine. The root cause of these ongoing shortages has been notified as

• Increases in demand
• Production issues for a manufacturer supplying this formulation to several companies in Ireland and other EU countries

These issues have led to multiple shortages of prolonged-release tablets of quetiapine for an extended period. 

The shortages are expected to continue through the second quarter of 2026. 

We recognise that medicine shortages can be challenging for patients, carers, healthcare professionals and their teams. The HSE Office of the National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Mental Health has issued clinical advice to support prescribers and patients impacted by the current limited supply of authorised quetiapine prolonged-release tablets. 

Patients who cannot source their usual medicine because of supply constraints should not stop treatment but are advised to discuss suitable alternatives with their healthcare professional. 

The document containing clinical advice is available to download below.