Voronezh residents told what foreign medicines can disappear from pharmacies

Voronezh residents may face a change in the range of pharmacies after the cancellation of state registration of a number of foreign drugs. Among the drugs affected by the changes, there are remedies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, cancer and autoimmune diseases. At the same time, the departure of certain names does not always mean that patients will remain without the necessary therapy: there are analogues for some drugs.

In August 2026, the Ministry of Health canceled the registration of the drug "Zeposia", which is used for multiple sclerosis, and the means "Signifor", prescribed for Itsenko-Cushing's disease. Earlier, in May, registration was canceled from the biological drug Remikeid.

In the spring, a similar decision affected two more drugs. "Spricel" is used in some forms of leukemia, and "Temodal" based on temozolomide is prescribed for individual brain tumors. Possible interruptions are also being discussed with regard to Caletra and Evipler drugs used in HIV antiretroviral therapy.

A separate problem concerns inexpensive drugs worth up to 200 rubles. Due to low profitability, manufacturers may stop issuing such funds. In addition, the market has difficulties with the supply of azathioprine, which is used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Nikolai Bespalov, Development Director of the analytical company RNC Pharma, notes that the reasons for the withdrawal of drugs from the market can be different. Sometimes the manufacturer refuses to supply because of low demand or commercial inexpediency. For example, Spricell has not been shipped to Russia since 2023, and Zeposia has been on the market in very small volumes. At the same time, a number of departed drugs have analogues, including Russian production.

Other circumstances can affect the availability of medicines, from the departure of foreign companies to problems with production and supply. As an example, the expert cites the situation with Ozempik: after the cessation of supplies on the Russian market, domestic manufacturers occupied the vacant niche.

Pavel Vorobyov, MD, professor and chairman of the Moscow City Scientific Society of Therapists, also points out that there are alternatives for some drugs. According to him, analogues have Signifor, Remikeid has long been produced in Russia, and azathioprine is presented on the domestic market.

However, the situation with inexpensive drugs requires special attention. Regulated prices and small profits can reduce the interest of manufacturers in the production of such drugs.

Voronezh people who constantly take medications should not independently cancel the prescribed therapy or change the drug because of news about the cancellation of registration. The possibility of replacement should be discussed with the attending physician: the appropriate option depends on the diagnosis, treatment regimen and individual characteristics of the patient.