2023-12-18 20:38:36
Amoxicillin in the pediatric version is still the subject of “strong tensions”, according to the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM). On December 8, two thirds of pharmacies in France were out of stock. What to fear a shortage of this most used antibiotic?
The context does not seem to have improved since the alert from the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions at the end of October. Amoxicillin pediatric “is subject to strong tensions, even stock shortages”, indicates the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) which recognizes, with the Parisianwhat “the situation continues to deteriorate.” She further specifies that “the most impacted forms are oral suspensions in bottles, which are mainly prescribed in cities for children”.
In more detail, according to data available on the agency’s website as part of the winter monitoring plan for drug tensions “major”, wholesale distributors have less than three days of stock for the 500 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml versions while pharmacies have between three and seven days for the 250 mg/5 ml and less than three days for the 500 mg/5ml.
Tensions also on Clamoxyl and Augmentin
Regarding the two dosages, two thirds of pharmacies were out of stock on December 8, once more according to the ANSM. At the same time, less than one agency in five is able to deliver to pharmacies that place orders, according to figures communicated by the Chambre syndicale de la distribution agricole (CSRP) to the Parisian.
Also affected by these tensions: amoxicillin in oral form 1000 mg (Clamoxyl and generics) and specialties combining amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, better known under the name Augmentin (and generic) in oral form 500 mg/62.5 mg and 100 mg/12.5 mg.
Making most of the stocks available
The pharmacies most affected therefore try to place orders directly with the laboratories. “The ANSM asked them to sell a maximum of 20% of their production directly, so that distribution remains as equitable as possible,” indicates Emmanuel Déchin, of the CSRP, at Parisianensuring that“a majority of industrial stocks have been made available to distribution agencies, as close as possible to pharmacies and patients, has been agreed collectively” during a meeting on December 13.
As a reminder, on November 10, the Minister of Health, Aurélien Rousseau, brought together stakeholders in the drug chain (manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, pharmacists, etc.) to try to find solutions.
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As a benchmark, at the end of October, nearly 4,000 medications were out of stock or at risk of shortage, the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions alerted a few weeks ago. Others were then under extreme pressure, such as paracetamol or even painkillers and antibiotics including amoxicillin.
To deal with these shortages, the ANSM has authorized 47 pharmacies in France with a laboratory to manufacture certain medicines by hand since December 2022.
Audrey LE GUELLEC
1702952219
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