People with schizophrenia struggling to find medication amid nationwide quetiapine shortage

People with schizophrenia struggling to find medication amid nationwide quetiapine shortage

Quetiapine Shortage Leaves‌ Australians ⁢Struggling

As the new year dawned, Heidi Everett, an artist adn disability ⁢advocate living ‍with schizophrenia, faced a terrifying reality: she couldn’t find​ the ‌medication she ⁣relies on. Instead of celebrating, she spent New Year’s Eve desperately driving between pharmacies, her anxiety mounting with each fruitless ‍search. “I was⁤ crying in the chemist and I couldn’t hold myself together, because ‌I’m terrified of what happens if ‍I‌ don’t take my meds,” Everett said. Everett’s experiance is‌ unluckily not unique. quetiapine,an essential antipsychotic​ medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder,is currently facing a nationwide ⁣shortage in Australia.
People with schizophrenia struggling to find medication amid nationwide quetiapine shortage

What​ is Quetiapine?

Quetiapine ⁢is a type of⁣ antipsychotic medication used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including: * Schizophrenia * Bipolar disorder * Mania * Hard-to-treat ⁣depression * ⁢Anxiety A common brand name⁤ for quetiapine is Seroquel, though​ it⁣ is indeed also sold under other ‌names ​such ⁣as ⁣Quetia and Syquet.

Quetiapine Shortage Leaves‍ Patients Struggling

A nationwide shortage of the commonly prescribed medication quetiapine has ‌left individuals with⁤ mental health conditions facing notable challenges. The drug,used to⁣ treat a range of mental health disorders,is currently ​unavailable in ⁣many pharmacies⁤ across the country. Heidi, a patient who relies‌ on ‍quetiapine to manage her symptoms, discovered the extent of the shortage through social media. After⁣ sharing⁢ her concerns online, she‍ was ​inundated with responses from individuals‍ experiencing ⁢the ‍same problem. “In ‍our moment of need, we’re [people with complex mental health] the ones that have had to work out how to get through this,” Heidi said.
Jenna ⁤wearing​ thick-rimmed glasses and a lab ‌coat, smiling in front⁢ of rows of medication.

Manufacturing Issues Blamed

Pharmaceutical companies Arrotex, sandoz, and Accord‌ Healthcare, who manufacture the generic versions ⁤of quetiapine, have attributed the ​shortage to manufacturing constraints. They maintain that choice generic products are​ available. However, many patients, including those who have tried the brand-name version Seroquel, are finding it tough to locate any form of quetiapine. Several pharmacies contacted​ by the media​ confirmed they were wholly out of stock. This shortage‍ is causing significant​ distress for individuals ⁤relying on quetiapine to manage⁤ their mental ⁤health. As heidi’s story‍ highlights, the lack of access to this⁤ essential medication is forcing patients to navigate challenging ⁣situations and seek alternative solutions.

A shortage of a common ‍antipsychotic medication, quetiapine,⁤ is causing concern for patients and pharmacists nationwide. The shortage,which has been ongoing for several weeks,has left many⁤ pharmacies struggling to fill prescriptions for the drug,which is ‌commonly used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Jenna ⁤Cormack, a pharmacist, has witnessed firsthand the impact of the shortage, stating,​ “we’ve had ⁢people ​calling ​dozens⁣ of pharmacies trying to source⁢ the medication that⁤ they desperately need.” ‌

A large pill⁤ cut into smaller pieces.

While the ‌Therapeutic Goods​ Administration⁤ (TGA) suggested using higher doses of available quetiapine, cutting them into smaller portions, Cormack highlighted the practical challenges associated⁤ with‍ this solution. She​ explained, “There’s no guarantee you’re getting an exact 25mg ‍dose.”

Concerns about Side Effects

Individuals taking⁤ quetiapine are advised against abruptly stopping the medication‍ due to potential side effects or a risk⁣ of relapse.​ Suddenly ⁢discontinuing the ​drug can ‍led to withdrawal symptoms.

Medication Shortage ⁣Raises Fears for Tasmanians ​with Mental Illness

A shortage of a crucial medication used⁢ to treat a range​ of mental health ​conditions is‍ causing significant concern ‍for those who rely on it. Heidi, a Tasmanian woman who‍ manages complex mental health challenges,‌ explains how the lack of⁤ access to this medication ‍could‍ have ⁤devastating consequences. Dr Toby Gardner, ⁢RACGP ⁤Tasmania Chair and a GP practice owner, stands for ⁤a​ portrait Heidi relies on the medication to manage symptoms⁢ like dizziness, ​nausea, and insomnia,⁤ which‌ can exacerbate her mental health conditions. ⁢ “I’ve experienced suicidal depression and⁣ suicidal episodes as recently as the last few months, so that ​can ‌all happen within‍ about two weeks if‍ I stop⁤ this medication,” she revealed. Dr. Toby‍ Gardner,⁣ chair of the⁣ Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in Tasmania, ⁣confirmed that ​GPs ‍are only just‍ becoming aware ⁢of the ‍shortage. They ⁤are primarily ⁢learning about⁢ it from pharmacists⁤ and patients who are forced ‍to seek alternatives. Heidi‌ emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “I don’t wont to end up back in a psych ward​ as there’s ⁢no⁢ medication.” She calls on ​health ⁢authorities ‍to prioritize accessible healthcare for people with complex mental health needs, including ensuring‌ steady medication supplies or providing clear dialog ‌when shortages occur. heidi smiling and sitting ​in an art⁤ studio. Heidi’s story ‌highlights the crucial need⁣ for reliable access to ⁣essential medications for individuals managing mental health challenges. ‍

Quetiapine Shortage Highlights Concerns Over ⁤Medication Supply ⁣in Australia

A shortage⁣ of the antipsychotic‌ drug quetiapine ‌has raised concerns about Australia’s⁤ medication supply chain ⁣and ‌the ‌potential impact on vulnerable patients.

The shortage, affecting both 25mg and‍ 300mg tablets, has been attributed to manufacturing and supply chain disruptions. While the‍ Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ⁢anticipates resolution of the‌ 25mg shortage by late February,the 300mg tablets are expected ​to remain in short supply until June 20,2025.

Dr Toby gardner,RACGP Tasmania ‌Chair and‌ a GP practice owner,stands for a portrait

Dr. Toby Gardner,Chair of the‍ RACGP Tasmania and a‌ GP practice owner,expressed concerns ⁣about the‍ potential consequences for‌ patients. ⁢”People could have acute psychotic episodes ‍if⁢ they⁢ weren’t able‍ to access the medication,” he said. While alternative antipsychotics⁢ exist, the process⁢ of switching ‌medications is complex and cannot be‌ done abruptly, making it difficult for⁤ doctors to quickly adjust treatment plans.

Dr.Gardner believes that​ quetiapine is one‍ of several critical medications Australia needs to stockpile in larger ‌quantities. “We’d love to see even mandates put on minimum supplies of medications ⁤being held on shore, particularly those that are critical for people to​ not stop suddenly,” he stated.

⁤ Heidi Everett, another advocate ​for better medication security, echoed⁣ these concerns, emphasizing⁤ the need‌ for authorities to ​do more ​to prepare for such shortages and minimize their impact on patients.

Heidi Everett believes authorities could do more to help people prepare for medication shortages.

With ⁢the TGA acknowledging ongoing supply chain challenges, the shortage of ⁢quetiapine highlights ​the need for proactive measures to ensure a reliable supply of essential ⁢medications⁣ for Australian patients.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Single Page Applications

Modern web development often involves a choice between customary multi-page websites and​ Single⁤ Page Applications (SPAs). ​SPAs have⁣ gained popularity⁣ due to their ‌ability⁢ to deliver highly responsive and dynamic user experiences. However,‌ like any​ technology, they have both​ advantages​ and ⁢disadvantages.

What Makes ​SPAs So Appealing?

One of the primary benefits of SPAs is their exceptional responsiveness. They ⁢excel in scenarios where rapid ⁤interaction and fluid transitions are⁣ essential. A ⁤classic example often cited ⁣is Gmail [[1](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/21862054/single-page-request-advantages-and-disadvantages)]. This type of‍ application is built to load a single HTML page and ‍dynamically⁣ update its content as the user interacts⁢ with ⁢it. This approach eliminates the need for full page reloads, resulting in a faster and smoother user experience.

The Potential Downsides

while⁣ SPAs ‍offer compelling benefits, it’s‌ crucial to consider their potential drawbacks.​ One significant disadvantage is that they might not be as well-suited for search engine ‌optimization (SEO) as traditional websites. Search engines often struggle ⁤to crawl and index the dynamically generated content of ⁢SPAs, which can impact a website’s visibility in search results. Furthermore, SPAs can be more complex to⁢ develop and maintain compared to traditional multi-page sites.​ They often require ⁢a deeper​ understanding of JavaScript frameworks and libraries.
This appears to be the ⁣start of a news⁤ article about a shortage of the medication quetiapine in ‍Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and some insights:



**Key Points:**



* **Quetiapine ⁤Shortage:** There is a shortage of quetiapine, an ​antipsychotic medication, in Australia, affecting both the 25mg and 300mg tablets.

* **Impact on Patients:** This shortage is‍ causing meaningful concern for individuals who rely on quetiapine to manage‍ their ​mental health​ conditions. ⁢Abruptly stopping the​ medication⁤ can lead ⁣to withdrawal ⁣symptoms and potential relapse.

* **Heidi’s Story:**⁢ The article features Heidi, a Tasmanian woman with complex mental health⁤ challenges, who relies ‍on quetiapine to ⁢manage symptoms ⁣like dizziness, nausea, and insomnia. She fears the‍ consequences ‍of not having access to⁤ the medication.

* **Concerns from Medical Professionals:** ‌Dr. ‌Toby ⁢Gardner, Chair ‍of the RACGP Tasmania, raises concerns about the potential for ⁢acute psychotic episodes in patients who cannot access quetiapine. He advocates for ⁤stockpiling critical medications like quetiapine.

* **Calls ⁤for Action:** The article ‌highlights calls for authorities to prioritize accessible healthcare for people⁢ with mental⁤ health needs and ensure a⁣ steady supply ‌of essential medications.



**Insights:**





* **Vulnerability of Mental Health ⁤Patients:** ‌The article underscores the vulnerability of individuals⁣ with‍ mental health conditions who ​rely on medication to manage their symptoms.

* **Importance ⁣of Medication Supply Chains:** The⁤ quetiapine shortage exposes the fragility of ​medication supply chains and the potential impact on patient health.

* ⁣**Need for Stockpiling Critical Medications:** The article advocates for​ stockpiling critical medications to ensure‍ availability during⁤ shortages.

* **Advocacy for Mental Health:** Heidi’s‌ story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating ⁤for accessible and reliable ⁢mental health care.



**Possible Next Sections:**



The article likely will continue‍ by:



*⁣ **Examining the Causes:** ​Delving into the reasons behind the quetiapine ⁢shortage, ​such as ‌manufacturing and supply chain​ disruptions.

* **Exploring Solutions:** Discussing potential solutions to address the shortage, including alternative medications, stockpiling⁢ strategies, and government interventions.

* **Sharing Additional Patient Stories:** Highlighting the experiences of other individuals affected by the shortage.

* **Providing Expert Commentary:** Including insights from pharmacists, mental ⁤health professionals,⁢ and policymakers.

* **concluding with a Call to ⁢Action:** ⁤Urging readers to contact their elected officials ⁢and advocate for improved medication security.


This appears to be the start of a news article about a shortage of the medication quetiapine in Australia, followed by a sudden shift into a discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of Single Page applications (SPAs) in web development.



**Here’s a possible explanation for this discontinuity:**





* **Accidental Copying and Pasting:** The writer might have been working on two different documents and accidentally pasted the SPA section into the middle of the news article.



* **Placeholder Text:** The SPA section could be placeholder text that was intended to be replaced later with more relevant content related to the medication shortage.



* **Draft in Progress:** It’s possible this is an incomplete draft, and the writer intended to connect the two topics somehow (perhaps discussing the use of SPAs in telehealth platforms or online pharmacies).



* **Technical Glitch:** There might have been a technical error during the document creation or editing process, causing the two unrelated sections to be joined.



**To make the article coherent, you should:**



1. **Identify the correct content:** Determine which section is relevant to the intended topic.

2. **Remove the extraneous section:** Delete the SPA discussion if it’s not relevant. If it is somehow related, see if you can create a smooth transition between the two topics.

3. **Proofread the article:** Carefully review the remaining content for any grammatical errors or inconsistencies.

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