Eskazole / Zentel - supply shortage
Shortage ongoing
albendazole
ShortageHuman
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Shortage information
There is a shortage of the albendazole-containing medicines Eskazole and Zentel. The shortage is affecting all EU Member States where these medicines are marketed or imported. These medicines are available as either tablets or a suspension taken by mouth.
Albendazole-containing medicines are used in adults and children to treat infections of the intestines or the skin caused by certain parasitic worms. These include threadworm (pinworm), roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, strongyloidiasis, tapeworm infection and trichinellosis. In children, albendazole may also be used to treat giardiasis, an infection of the intestine caused by a microscopic parasite.
Albendazole-containing medicines are also used to treat certain more serious parasitic diseases, including neurocysticercosis, where cysts caused by tapeworm larvae develop in the brain or nervous system, and cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease), where cysts develop in organs such as the liver, lungs or other parts of the body.
The company marketing these medicines, GlaxoSmithKline, must switch to a new supplier of the active substance albendazole. This has resulted in supply disruptions. The shortage is not related to a quality defect or a safety issue.
The shortage is expected to last until at least 2028.
The shortage affects all of the Member States where the product is marketed or imported, including: Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
This information may change. For up-to-date information about the status of a medicine shortage in a particular Member State, consult the national shortage register or contact the national competent authority using the below links.
EMA’s Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG) and EMA’s shortages working party (Medicines Shortages Single Point of Contact - SPOC - working party) are closely monitoring the supply situation and engaging with the marketing authorisation holder.
The company marketing these medicines, GlaxoSmithKline, has identified another supplier of the active substance albendazole and is taking the necessary steps to have the supplier registered and authorised. The MSSG and the SPOC Working Party are also liaising with other companies that market albendazole-containing medicines in the EU/EEA to determine if additional supplies can be made available.
The SPOC Working Party supports EMA’s MSSG and monitors and reports events that could affect the supply of medicines in the EU.
- There is a shortage of the albendazole-containing medicines Eskazole and Zentel. The shortage is affecting all EU Member States where these medicines are either marketed or imported and is expected to last until at least 2028.
- Healthcare professionals should consider prescribing other albendazole-containing medicines marketed by other companies, depending on availability.
- For additional information consult your country’s shortage register, where available, or contact your national competent authority.
- There is a shortage of the albendazole-containing medicines Eskazole and Zentel. The shortage is affecting all EU Member States where these medicines are either marketed or imported and is expected to last until at least 2028.
- If these medicines are not available, your doctor will discuss alternatives with you such as switching to a different medicine, where available.
- If you have any questions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register, where available, or contact your national competent authority using the below links.
Key facts
- Medicines affected
- Eskazole / Zentel
- Supply shortage status
- Shortage ongoing
- International non-proprietary name (INN) or common name
- albendazole
- Therapeutic area (MESH)
- Parasitic Diseases
- Protozoan Infections
- Helminthiasis
- Pharmaceutical forms affected
- Tablet
- Suspension
- Availability of alternatives
- Yes
Key dates
- Expected resolution
- 2028
- First published