Farm Hosp. 2026 Sep 8:S1130-6343(26)00118-2. doi: 10.1016/j.farma.2026.05.006. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The loss of high-cost hospital medicines due to expiration represents a structural problem affecting the efficiency and sustainability of the public healthcare system. This loss is not solely the result of management inefficiencies; it is frequently driven by unpredictable changes in patient clinical evolution that lead to the suspension of previously planned treatments, particularly in oncological, haematological, and immunological conditions.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the economic and operational impact of the Farmastock web-based tool for the inter-hospital redistribution of high-economic impact medicines nearing expiration within the Public Health System of Andalusia (SSPA), and to analyse its evolution, its behaviour by hospital type and the perception of professional users.
METHODS: A retrospective observational descriptive study was conducted on transfers registered in Farmastock between July 2019 and June 2025. Descriptive indicators (volume of transfers, cost avoided, most redistributed medicines) and comparative indicators (hospital type, province, efficiency per transfer) were analysed. An anonymous structured survey of professional users was included (Annex 1).
RESULTS: A total of 1,462 transfers were registered, avoiding €5,055,822.98 in spending and redistributing 93,741 units. The most frequently transferred ATC group was antineoplastic agents. The average value per transfer was €3,458.16. District hospitals led in volume, while specialised hospitals demonstrated greater efficiency per transfer. The tool was highly valued by users and its use expanded to 27 hospitals.
CONCLUSIONS: The descriptive findings suggest that Farmastock is a useful and well-valued tool associated with a positive trend in health system sustainability. Beyond the estimated economic impact, it has enabled the utilisation of medicines in exceptional clinical situations, such as palivizumab administration in paediatric patients. Future integration with artificial intelligence and corporate platforms could further amplify its impact.
PMID:42711238 | DOI:10.1016/j.farma.2026.05.006
