Rinnakkaislääkkeet

Rinnakkaislääkkeet, also known as parallel medicines or parallel imported medicines, refer to medicines that are authorized in one European Economic Area (EEA) country and then imported from another EEA country where they are also authorized and marketed. The purpose of parallel trade is to leverage price differences between different member states within the EU. A company may import a medicine that is already authorized in Finland from another EU country where it is sold at a lower price.

The medicines are identical in terms of active substance, strength, dosage form, and therapeutic effect to the medicines authorized and sold in the importing country. The key difference lies in the packaging and labeling, which are in the language of the exporting country. Parallel imports are subject to the same strict quality, safety, and efficacy standards as all other medicines sold within the EEA. Regulatory authorities, such as the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea), monitor and ensure that parallel imported medicines meet these requirements.

The availability of rinnakkaislääkkeet can contribute to increased competition in the pharmaceutical market, potentially leading to lower medicine prices for consumers and healthcare systems. However, the process requires careful management to ensure that the supply chain remains secure and that patients receive accurate information about their medications, regardless of their origin.