“No Reports of Manufacturer Antiviral Shortages at This Time”

According to the Food and Drug Administration, there are no reports of local, regional, or national shortages of influenza antiviral drugs from manufacturers at this time. It is possible, however, that some spot shortages may occur in local areas. Pharmacies should work with authorized distributors to obtain additional supplies of antiviral drugs if spot shortages occur, and CDC and FDA are continuing to work with manufacturers to assess influenza antiviral supply this season. A statement on Tamiflu supply from the manufacturer Genentech is available at: http://www.gene.com/media/statements/ps_121814

Due to elevated influenza activity at this time, patients may have difficulty locating antiviral drugs and may have to contact more than one pharmacy in order to fill their prescriptions. If the exact prescribed formulation cannot be located, patients should consult their physician or pharmacist for additional options.

Some states have stockpiled antiviral drugs to prepare for a pandemic influenza outbreak as part of pandemic planning efforts. These antiviral drugs purchased by states through HHS subsidy program contracts are recommended to be reserved for use during an influenza pandemic emergency and at this time should not be used to treat seasonal influenza cases.  Many of these products have been extended past their original manufacturer shelf life. CDC encourages states to retain these assets up to their extended expiration date (please see attached).

If there are any questions, please contact Jennifer L. Lixey, B.S., M.A., Emergency Medical Countermeasure State Coordinator for the Office of Public Health Preparedness Michigan Department of Community Health at: (O) 517-335-9657 or (M) 517-930-0671.

http://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MIDCH/2015/01/05/file_attachments/353151/Antiviral%2BInformation%2Bfor%2BStates_%2B1%2B17%2B13_Final.pdf