IMSS Medicine Shortages: 43% Complaint Increase
IMSS faces Rising Medication Shortages: Rituximab, Calcium/Vitamin D3, and Lacosamide Top Complaint List
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The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) is grappling with increasing complaints regarding medication availability, particularly for critical treatments like cancer, bone health, and epilepsy. Data from January 2024 to June 2025 reveals significant shortages of key medications, prompting concerns among beneficiaries and highlighting challenges within the healthcare system. despite an overall average supply level of 96.44%, specific drugs are consistently unavailable, leading to documented grievances.
Medication Shortage Overview: january 2024 – June 2025
Between January and June 26, 2025, the IMSS registered 132 complaints – a figure exceeding the 23 cases reported in the 12 months of 2024. This indicates a growing trend of medication unavailability impacting patients across Mexico. Notably, Chiapas and Baja California sur did not register any complaints during the first six months of 2024, suggesting potential regional variations in supply or reporting.
States with the fewest complaints in the first half of 2025 included Chihuahua (1), Guerrero (1), Aguascalientes (2), Durango (2), State of Mexico (2), Quintana Roo (2), and Tabasco (2). March saw the highest volume of complaints with 28, representing 25% of the total, followed by February (20), January (19), April (19), May (19), and June (10). it’s important to note that a single complaint folio can relate to multiple medications, meaning the actual number of impacted prescriptions is likely higher.
top Medications Facing Shortages
The data reveals a clear pattern of shortages for specific medications, impacting patients with serious health conditions.
Rituximab: Critical Cancer Treatment in Short Supply
Rituximab 500mg injectable solution was the most frequently reported missing medication,with 11 complaints. The majority of these complaints originated from Chiapas (five),followed by Campeche (three) and Mexico City (two).
Rituximab is a vital medication used in the treatment of various cancers, including:
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis.
The lack of access to Rituximab can severely disrupt cancer treatment plans and negatively impact patient outcomes.
Calcium/Vitamin D3 Carbonate: Bone Health Concerns
Calcium/Vitamin D3 carbonate tablets (1666.670 mg) were the second most complained about medication,with six reported shortages.This medication is crucial for:
Preventing and treating calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.
Strengthening bones and preventing bone-related diseases like osteoporosis.
Treating osteomalacia and rickets in adults.
complaints regarding this medication were concentrated in Baja California Sur, CDMX, Colima, State of Mexico, Michoacán, and Sonora. Insufficient calcium and vitamin D can lead to weakened bones, increased fracture risk, and other health complications.
Lacosamide: Addressing Epilepsy Treatment Gaps
Lacosamide 100mg tablets, an antiepileptic medication used to manage seizures in patients with epilepsy experiencing partial onset seizures, involuntary movements, or altered consciousness, also faced shortages. Complaints were reported in Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, jalisco, yucatán, and Zacatecas. consistent access to Lacosamide is essential for maintaining seizure control and improving the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.
IMSS Supply Levels and Future Outlook
Despite the reported shortages, the IMSS maintains that the average monthly supply level, “parameterized through the level of supply to the recipe,” between January 2024 and June 23, 2025, was 96.44%. Though, this overall percentage masks the significant disparities in availability for specific, critical medications.Addressing these localized shortages and ensuring consistent access to essential drugs like Rituximab, Calcium/Vitamin D3, and lacosamide remains a key challenge for the IMSS. Further investigation into the causes of these shortages and proactive measures to improve supply chain management are crucial to protect the health and well-being of beneficiaries.