Shortage of Antibiotic Amoxicillin in US Pharmacies, FDA warns

Recently, US Food and Drug Adminustration (FDA) recognized the short supply of Amoxicillin, an antibiotic most widely used to treat medical illnesses including bronchitis, pneumonia, and infection of the throat, ear, or urinary tract commonly caused by bacteria. The situation came into light when pharmacies across the US raised concerns regarding the shortage of Amoxicillin.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) also enlisted Amoxicillin in its drug shortages database, noting that multiple manufacturers are experiencing the lag. Hikma Pharmaceutical, Aurobindo Pharma, Novartis, and Teva Pharmaceutical are among the four most recent industries, which primarily sells Amoxicillin across the US, witnessing limited supplies of liquid doses of the medication.

According to FDA, the most recent issue resulting in low supply might have started with significant uptakes in consumer demand for Amoxicillin in the US domestic market. Along with this factor, the supply scenario have been also exacerbated due to the supply-chain disruption and labor shortages in industries. Michael Ganio, senior director of pharmacy practice and quality at ASHP, said that it is difficult to determine at this stage whether there is a genuine supply issue or only a rise in Amoxicillin demand.

A division of Novartis Pharmaceuticals known as Sandoz stated, "We already face an incredibly difficult situation due to the pandemic effect's quick return and the present energy crisis. The supply is also impacted by later variations in demand, limitations on the production capacity, and a lack of raw materials. To come up with solutions for this pressing situation, we work with important parties, including governments.

Since the demand for the drug is at an all-time high, corporations have begun working with manufacturers to replenish supply as quickly as possible by increasing their output capacity and introducing additional work shifts. As a result, the supply problem may not endure for very long.