Alarm for diabetics: Is that threatening for vital medication?

Alarm for diabetics: Is that threatening for vital medication?

In Germany, around eight million people currently suffer from type 2 diabetes, and many of these patients rely on the drug metformin. However, a new EU directive called Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) triggers concerns that could endanger the availability of this important drug. This guideline obliges sewage treatment to introduce an additional cleaning level to remove micro-pollutants, which also include residues of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. rp online reports that the costs for the implementation of this guideline are largely borne by the manufacturers from 2029 should.

The requirements for the sewage treatmentes also raise serious questions. The producers of generics such as metformin in particular face considerable challenges. Due to the very low prices for such medication, they fear that they cannot apply the additional costs. Some manufacturers have already threatened to withdraw from the market, which could endanger the availability of metformin.

EU directive and their implications

The Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and the Council, which was adopted on November 27, 2024, deals with the revaluation of the treatment of municipal wastewater. This new version is important for Germany, but for the entire European economic area. The consolidated version of the directive comes into force on December 12, 2024 and will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Further details on legislation can be called up via the European Legislation Identifier

The massive change in wastewater treatment could have far -reaching consequences for patients who are dependent on vital medication. The medical staff and the affected patients are required to find out more about developments in pharmaceutical care and to examine possible alternatives. The concerns about the availability of metformin are not only serious for diabetes patients, but also for the health system as a whole.

The additional cleaning requirements aim to reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceutical residues, but encounter resistance from the manufacturers. How the situation will develop in the coming years remains to be seen; However, one thing is certain: the discussion about access to basic health goods will continue to increase, while the EU will have to implement new guidelines to ensure the environment. This area of ​​tension between environmental and health interests will also play a central role in the future.