Pharmacist at one of the largest pharmacies in Paris, Jean-Charles Rossi has “no more amoxicillin for children”. In 25 years of work, it is the first time that this antibiotic in the form of a syrup has run out, which is given to children to combat a series of bacterial infections such as certain otitis and pneumonia. A shortage of this drug in tablet form has also been announced.
“Difficulties persist in the supply of amoxicillin, alone or in combination with clavulanic acid,” he writes in effect. the General Directorate of Health (DGS), in a message sent Monday to health professionals. Therefore, it recommends that professionals issue antibiotics, including amoxicillin, “per unit” and no longer per box.
In effect, patients will receive doses of antibiotics for the exact duration of their treatment, and no more. And “the remaining units of the box will be kept in the pharmacy to be used in a later dispensation”, writes the DGS.
In the current context, “it is remembered that the prescription, like the prudent use of antibiotics, is fundamental,” he maintains.
“We have a big big problem”
On the subject of amoxicillin, the main antibiotic prescribed to children in France, Health Minister François Braun acknowledged on November 20 that a date for a return to normality was “difficult to say.” “In the weeks, the months to come,” he added.
In this shortage, the health authorities point to an increase in demand after several years marked by the Covid crisis and the sanitary restrictions that had reduced the spread of multiple diseases. “The stocks were not at the usual height” and “the production lines must be restarted”, detailed the ANSM during a press conference.
“The products have been in tension for about a month, and we are only at the beginning of winter, with Covid, flu and angina, we have a big big problem”, Jean-Charles Rossi worries.
Other methods to store this antibiotic
The authorities had already adopted emergency measures, including rationing limiting the amount each pharmacy can order, and called on doctors and patients to use amoxicillin only if necessary: for example, they have no interest against “bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, laryngitis” or including bronchiolitis, warn several pediatric societies in a press release.
“In times of scarcity, these unnecessary recipes are no longer admissible,” it is written.
Other antibiotic-saving tips are emerging. “Two possibilities: the first is already to systematically treat only children under six months, and between six months and two years, allow 24 to 36 hours of hindsight before starting antibiotic therapy,” Romain Basmaci explains for example on BFMTV , Secretary General of the French Pediatric Society.
It also suggests the possibility of shortening the duration of treatment in certain cases.
The various pediatric societies also warn of a possible domino effect: difficulties in the supply of pediatric forms of amoxicillin could affect the availability of all other oral forms of antibiotics and pediatric antibiotics.
Source: BFM TV
