What to do if Remeron is in shortage — for Colombia
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Remeron (Mirtazapine) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 7.5mg, 15mg, 30mg, 45mg, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
Colombia context
Drug shortages in Colombia are tracked by Invima (National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute) when significant. For Remeron, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Mirtazapine — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 7.5mg, 15mg, 30mg, 45mg.
- Regulator
- Invima (National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute)
- Currency
- COP
How shortages work for Remeron
When Remeron is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Mirtazapine, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Anti-Depressants agent. Mirtazapine antagonises presynaptic α2-adrenergic receptors, increasing noradrenaline and serotonin release.
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Remeron shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Mirtazapine at 7.5mg, 15mg, 30mg, 45mg. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Remeron? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Mirtazapine is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Remeron at 7.5mg, 15mg, 30mg, 45mg. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Remeron come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Mirtazapine is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Remeron at the same 7.5mg, 15mg, 30mg, 45mg strength.
What to do if Remeron is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.