Feds Say a Popular Antibiotic Is Running Out in US
(RightWing.org) – The US is already suffering from supply chain problems that are pushing up prices and causing shortages around the world. Now, the Food and Drug Administration has identified a new shortage — and this one could have deadly consequences.
Doctors, pharmacists coping with amoxicillin shortage
"There is concern antibiotic shortages could lead to antimicrobial resistance, as physicians may have to resort to less optimal agents"https://t.co/HQwxZ7hlml#DrugShortage @CIDRAP_RDSP #AntibioticStewardship pic.twitter.com/VYFYv2Vx9a
— CIDRAP (@CIDRAP) October 27, 2022
Amoxicillin is one of the most popular antibiotics in the US, with more than 15 million prescriptions written every year. It’s used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, and because it’s available as a liquid for oral use, as well as capsules, it’s commonly given to children. Now, the FDA is warning that supplies are running low.
According to the FDA’s drug shortages database, “Amoxicillin oral powder for suspension” — the form of the drug that’s used to make liquids — is in short supply despite there being several manufacturers. The FDA lists five suppliers. One of them is operating as normal, three have supplies available “on allocation” or “for current customers,” while the fifth, Swiss-American company Sandoz, has most of its amoxicillin powder products listed as “unavailable” with limited supplies due to come online early next year.
From the FDA’s information, it looks like a combination of increased demand and production problems at Sandoz are causing the shortage, but with winter approaching, it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
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