Ireland is facing a growing shortage of key medicines, according to the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU).
The union's annual conference has been told that the short supply of commonly prescribed medicines is currently causing patients considerable inconvenience.
Mr Michael Wade, a Co Wexford pharmacist, warned the situation could lead to complications for people requiring urgent medication.
Mr Wade said there was evidence that some Irish wholesalers are exporting drugs intended for the domestic market to the UK to benefit from higher margin sales.
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The discrepancy in prices is due to agreements between drug manufactures and the Department of Health, which have to be reconsidered, he said.