A critical antibiotic shortage that will plague Australia for several months means patients will not be able to access their usual medicines as more than 300 are largely unavailable.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration added an additional 30 drugs to its shortage database on Monday, bringing the total number of drugs in short supply to 394.
As many as 45 of these drugs are considered critical, one of which is used for the palliative care of cancer patients.
Liquid antibiotics for children are especially limited as families are forced to travel to different pharmacies to get the medicine they need.
Other hard-up drugs include drugs used to treat pneumonia, epilepsy and strep throat. The contrast medium for medical imaging is also rare.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s drug shortage database contains 394 drugs, of which 45 are considered critical and in short supply.
A further 77 drugs will be added to the shortage database in the coming months.
Sydney GP Hester Wilson said the shortage was a “staggering” reminder of Australia’s dependence on overseas suppliers.
“It really makes me realize how fragile our supply lines are and that we need to consider manufacturing some of these medicines in Australia,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Melbourne pharmacist Andrew Farmer also pointed to the danger of relying on international sellers, especially when Australia does not have a competitive market.
“We are such a small piece of the pie of the global pharmaceutical industry, and we also do not pay top dollar like the US, we are not the first priority when it comes to acquiring shares in the country,” said he said.
The shortage has forced doctors to find alternative medicines for patients that may be more expensive, not as effective, or may have antibiotic resistance.
The two drugs used to treat Strep A infection are in short supply or unavailable as the death toll among children continues to rise
The news comes as pediatricians continue to grapple with an increase in infections caused by group A streptococcal bacteria.
The bacteria found in the throat and on the skin are known to cause a range of infections including strep throat, scarlet fever and cellulitis.
Usually, infection causes only mild symptoms, but in rare cases, life-threatening conditions can develop, including blood poisoning, necrotizing fasciitis (a flesh-eating bacteria), toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, and meningitis.
Safer Care Victoria said two children died from group A strep infections in 2022 and more than 60 were hospitalized.
“In 2022, there was a significant increase in cases of group A streptococcal infection,” it said.
“There were at least three deaths from invasive streptococcal infections or toxic shock syndrome, including two caused by group A streptococci, and many other children required intensive care.”
Queensland has also reported a shocking lead in strep A cases, with nine recorded deaths in 2022.
Medical experts said the shortage was a “staggering” reminder that Australia must produce its own critical medicines rather than rely on international supplies
The disease has also made headlines in Britain, where 37 children have died from an infection since September.
Dr. Farmer said there is currently no penicillin available to treat strep throat and the commonly used alternative product amoxicillin is also in short supply.
Victorian GP Bernard Shiu commissioned a local chemist to create his own liquid version of amoxicillin to give extremely ill children a better chance of recovery.
However, the customized alternative costs patients nearly $45 compared to the $5.80 price tag of amoxicillin.
“We are talking about a very common antibiotic that is not available, which is quite worrying,” Dr. shiu
Australia’s drug regulators are reportedly aiming for a supply plan that will ensure a six-month supply of critical drugs is always available.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
