The Exemestane drug, used in hormonal treatments for extending several years to prevent breast cancer recurrence, could not be obtained at the Hospital Curry Cabral pharmacy due to an alleged “stock shortage,” according to a cancer patient.
The São José Local Health Unit (ULSSJ), which includes Curry Cabral, denied any shortage, acknowledging only a “limited stock” currently available.
The patient, who wished to remain anonymous, started hormonal treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis and had consistent access to Exemestane from the hospital pharmacy for three years.
“It’s not just my issue; others are affected,” noted the patient, who was informed access to the daily medication would resume at the hospital pharmacy “within one to two weeks.”
“We’ll be without the daily medication preventing a recurrence for one to two weeks,” lamented the patient, stressing the impact of hormonal medication interruption on physiological and psychological well-being and quality of life.
The patient further stated a complaint was filed, and the ULSSJ did not offer an alternative to avoid treatment disruption.
“I felt abandoned because, suddenly, the National Health Service is turning away,” the oncology patient added.
The local health unit asserted that the medication is still available to oncology patients, “possibly in lower quantities than usual,” due to existing stock constraints.
“ULS São José has reinforced the supply request with the pharmaceutical provider, anticipating delivery in the coming days,” the source added.
Infarmed, the National Authority of Medicine, stated there is “no shortage” of the drug and has not received “any report of constraints from hospitals.”
The medication is indicated for treating hormone-dependent early breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Such medications affect aromatase, a substance needed to produce female sex hormones, estrogens. Reducing estrogen levels in the body is a way to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer.
