Pharmacists are worried that the medication will still be in short supply come winter when infections can surge and antibiotic use typically increases.
Pharmacies across the United States are reporting shortages of one of the most widely used antibiotics, raising concerns that the medication will be in short supply for the upcoming winter season.
Independent pharmacy owners in Kansas, Georgia and New York confirmed to NBC News that supplies of amoxicillin — commonly prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections including ear infections, pneumonia and bronchitis — have been dwindling for weeks. In some cases, drug wholesalers are limiting how much of the medication pharmacies can purchase at one time, likely to avoid running out of them.
“The scary part is, we’re coming into the time of the year where you have the greatest need,” said Hugh Chancy, owner of Chancy Drugs, which has six locations in southern Georgia.
Three key amoxicillin manufacturers — Hikma Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in the United Kingdom; Sandoz, based in Switzerland; and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., headquartered in Israel — are reporting shortages of the antibiotic, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, which maintains a database of drug shortages.
The products affected include chewable tablets, capsules and powder for an oral liquid or “suspension” that is typically prescribed to children. Because amoxicillin is an antibiotic, it is not used to treat infections caused by viruses, such as Covid, the flu or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
It’s not clear what is causing the shortage, or how long it could last.
Steven Weiss, a spokesperson for Hikma, said in an email statement that the company is managing distribution to meet its existing supply commitments.
“We are continuing to deliver in full nationally and have adequate supplies to meet our agreed upon commitments with current customers,” he said. “We understand the importance of this medication and are looking at ways to increase production.”
Sandoz and Teva did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Representatives from three of the largest drug wholesalers in the U.S., AmerisourceBergen, McKesson Corp., and Cardinal Health, also did not respond to requests for comment.
Pharmacists said they are worried if the shortage lingers through the winter when infections can surge and antibiotic use typically increases.
“I am extremely concerned,” said Brian Caswell, owner of Wolkar Drug in Baxter Springs, Kansas. “Amoxicillin just being the No. 1 utilized antibiotic does cause some concern.”
Original article is taken from NBC News here.
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