Last November we shared news of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warning about the shortage of an in-demand antibiotic.

Well, nearly two months on and right smack in the beginning of 2023, things aren’t showing any signs of improving.

Three hundred and sixty-one medicines have recently been reported as in short supply around the country. Of this, 45 have been classified as critical shortages.

Liquid antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cefalexin which are used to treat children are ‘particularly scarce’, with many stories of parents shuffling from one chemist to another in search of medication to give to their children.

Pharmacists, unable to dispense needed medication, have resorted to compound cures to fill crucial orders.

‘It's not like we don't still have antibiotics to treat infections… but we now have to go to second line antibiotics which can be more complicated, have an unnecessarily broad spectrum or be more expensive,’ said infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin.

The news comes as health experts have issued warnings over Strep A, a disease caused by bacteria that could cause severe complications in children and the elderly.

The shortage of almost four hundred medicines is expected to continue over supply issues. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

The shortage has prompted some to call for drastic measures.

Australian Medical Association Deputy National President Danielle McMullen said they were calling for liquid antibiotics to be reserved for children, seniors, and people having difficulty swallowing.

‘Most of the time, you can find an alternative, but obviously, it can be very stressful for patients,’ she added.

The TGA also allowed substitutions for oral amoxicillin and oral cefalexin in December 2022 in response to the matter, which it explained was due to manufacturing issues in a major supplier.

Other medications affected by the shortage include ones used for epilepsy and cancer.

The medicine shortage has also opened up discussions on Australia’s precarious place in the global medicine market.

‘Australia doesn't produce many medications here. We allow about 90 per cent of what we use here to come from overseas,’ said Adele Tahan, Vice President of Pharmacy Guild NSW.

‘We have to rely on worldwide supply and unfortunately the situation right now is that we're waiting for the antibiotics to become available.’

But why is Australia reduced to ‘waiting’?

‘Australia's not an attractive place for medicines to come to us. The American market is a massive market and the prices charged in America are much higher than what we can charge in Australia… It makes us the last country for medicine to come here,’ Tahan explained.

She shared that Australia accounts for a measly 2 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market. In contrast, the US accounts for roughly 41 per cent.

Reports say chemists have been forced to compound drugs to fulfil the needs of customers. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/ready made

‘We are such a small slice of the world pharmaceutical industry pie, and we also don’t pay top dollar like the US, we’re not the first priority as far as getting stock into the country,’ added pharmacist Andrew Farmer.

‘It’s affecting patient outcomes every day,’ he said.

‘This is a big issue for us and highlights that we do need to address it and hopefully look at maybe having some local manufacturing of really important medicines like this,’ Dr Griffin added.

The current nationwide medicine shortage has serious implications for public health, and could have a long-term impact due to the lack of access to life-saving medications.

While pharmacists are doing their best to meet orders and compounding medications, the shortage has placed especially vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people particularly at risk.

If the recent shortage persists, it is likely to lead to a rise in preventable illnesses and medical complications due to the lack of access to necessary medications. In addition, shortages of antibiotics can lead to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an even greater risk to public health.

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

Overall, it has become apparent that Australia needs at the very least look into local medicine manufacturing, as well as measures to mitigate the potential risks of relying on international suppliers.

This could help to prevent future medicine shortages and protect the public health of Australians.

What are your thoughts on this? We’re sure it’s all not so simple, but for the sake of discussion: should Australia produce its own medicines from scratch, or should the country continue to be reliant on overseas manufacturers?

Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Zemo]

Aw, gee. Next thing you know, we'll have people firmly against taking generic brands of medications because they can't possibly have the same effect as branded ones ...

 

[burlighs]

Last November we shared news of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warning about the shortage of an in-demand antibiotic.

Well, nearly two months on and right smack in the beginning of 2023, things aren’t showing any signs of improving.

Three hundred and sixty-one medicines have recently been reported as in short supply around the country. Of this, 45 have been classified as critical shortages.

Liquid antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cefalexin which are used to treat children are ‘particularly scarce’, with many stories of parents shuffling from one chemist to another in search of medication to give to their children.

Pharmacists, unable to dispense needed medication, have resorted to compound cures to fill crucial orders.

‘It's not like we don't still have antibiotics to treat infections… but we now have to go to second line antibiotics which can be more complicated, have an unnecessarily broad spectrum or be more expensive,’ said infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin.

The news comes as health experts have issued warnings over Strep A, a disease caused by bacteria that could cause severe complications in children and the elderly.

View attachment 11448

The shortage of almost four hundred medicines is expected to continue over supply issues. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

The shortage has prompted some to call for drastic measures.

Australian Medical Association Deputy National President Danielle McMullen said they were calling for liquid antibiotics to be reserved for children, seniors, and people having difficulty swallowing.

‘Most of the time, you can find an alternative, but obviously, it can be very stressful for patients,’ she added.

The TGA also allowed substitutions for oral amoxicillin and oral cefalexin in December 2022 in response to the matter, which it explained was due to manufacturing issues in a major supplier.

Other medications affected by the shortage include ones used for epilepsy and cancer.

The medicine shortage has also opened up discussions on Australia’s precarious place in the global medicine market.

‘Australia doesn't produce many medications here. We allow about 90 per cent of what we use here to come from overseas,’ said Adele Tahan, Vice President of Pharmacy Guild NSW.

‘We have to rely on worldwide supply and unfortunately the situation right now is that we're waiting for the antibiotics to become available.’

But why is Australia reduced to ‘waiting’?

‘Australia's not an attractive place for medicines to come to us. The American market is a massive market and the prices charged in America are much higher than what we can charge in Australia… It makes us the last country for medicine to come here,’ Tahan explained.

She shared that Australia accounts for a measly 2 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market. In contrast, the US accounts for roughly 41 per cent.

View attachment 11447

Reports say chemists have been forced to compound drugs to fulfil the needs of customers. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/ready made

‘We are such a small slice of the world pharmaceutical industry pie, and we also don’t pay top dollar like the US, we’re not the first priority as far as getting stock into the country,’ added pharmacist Andrew Farmer.

‘It’s affecting patient outcomes every day,’ he said.

‘This is a big issue for us and highlights that we do need to address it and hopefully look at maybe having some local manufacturing of really important medicines like this,’ Dr Griffin added.

The current nationwide medicine shortage has serious implications for public health, and could have a long-term impact due to the lack of access to life-saving medications.

While pharmacists are doing their best to meet orders and compounding medications, the shortage has placed especially vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people particularly at risk.

If the recent shortage persists, it is likely to lead to a rise in preventable illnesses and medical complications due to the lack of access to necessary medications. In addition, shortages of antibiotics can lead to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an even greater risk to public health.

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

Overall, it has become apparent that Australia needs at the very least look into local medicine manufacturing, as well as measures to mitigate the potential risks of relying on international suppliers.

This could help to prevent future medicine shortages and protect the public health of Australians.

What are your thoughts on this? We’re sure it’s all not so simple, but for the sake of discussion: should Australia produce its own medicines from scratch, or should the country continue to be reliant on overseas manufacturers?

Let us know in the comments below!

As with many items that are imported, we are so reliant on other countries it is easy to see why there are regular shortages. We believe that Australia has the means, the people and the knowledge to make our own medications. So let's get to it!!!

 

[Suzanne rose]

I saw this and thought we saw this coming , my daughter who is a nurse said during the pandemic that alot of medication will become not available or very scarce including antibiotics.

Australia should be making our own or at least keep a stock of at least 6 months of medication.

My daughter relies on ventolin and 3 other medications to help her breath , this makes me now want to panic buy and stock up

Surely Australia can make our own

 

[JedCorella]

This is the result of depending on Chine because everything is "cheaper". Successive governments have sold us out and sold us up and this is the result. This is only the start. China is the main problem in this equation. They buy our raw materials and we buy their garbage. The plandemic was a wake up call but, as per usual, the government isn't listening. They have their head firmly up their rear ends and we, the people, don't count, unless, of course, you are a billionaire and then the pollies put their tongues where they ought not to be.

 

[OldBells]

Last November we shared news of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warning about the shortage of an in-demand antibiotic.

Well, nearly two months on and right smack in the beginning of 2023, things aren’t showing any signs of improving.

Three hundred and sixty-one medicines have recently been reported as in short supply around the country. Of this, 45 have been classified as critical shortages.

Liquid antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cefalexin which are used to treat children are ‘particularly scarce’, with many stories of parents shuffling from one chemist to another in search of medication to give to their children.

Pharmacists, unable to dispense needed medication, have resorted to compound cures to fill crucial orders.

‘It's not like we don't still have antibiotics to treat infections… but we now have to go to second line antibiotics which can be more complicated, have an unnecessarily broad spectrum or be more expensive,’ said infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin.

The news comes as health experts have issued warnings over Strep A, a disease caused by bacteria that could cause severe complications in children and the elderly.

View attachment 11448

The shortage of almost four hundred medicines is expected to continue over supply issues. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

The shortage has prompted some to call for drastic measures.

Australian Medical Association Deputy National President Danielle McMullen said they were calling for liquid antibiotics to be reserved for children, seniors, and people having difficulty swallowing.

‘Most of the time, you can find an alternative, but obviously, it can be very stressful for patients,’ she added.

The TGA also allowed substitutions for oral amoxicillin and oral cefalexin in December 2022 in response to the matter, which it explained was due to manufacturing issues in a major supplier.

Other medications affected by the shortage include ones used for epilepsy and cancer.

The medicine shortage has also opened up discussions on Australia’s precarious place in the global medicine market.

‘Australia doesn't produce many medications here. We allow about 90 per cent of what we use here to come from overseas,’ said Adele Tahan, Vice President of Pharmacy Guild NSW.

‘We have to rely on worldwide supply and unfortunately the situation right now is that we're waiting for the antibiotics to become available.’

But why is Australia reduced to ‘waiting’?

‘Australia's not an attractive place for medicines to come to us. The American market is a massive market and the prices charged in America are much higher than what we can charge in Australia… It makes us the last country for medicine to come here,’ Tahan explained.

She shared that Australia accounts for a measly 2 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market. In contrast, the US accounts for roughly 41 per cent.

View attachment 11447

Reports say chemists have been forced to compound drugs to fulfil the needs of customers. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/ready made

‘We are such a small slice of the world pharmaceutical industry pie, and we also don’t pay top dollar like the US, we’re not the first priority as far as getting stock into the country,’ added pharmacist Andrew Farmer.

‘It’s affecting patient outcomes every day,’ he said.

‘This is a big issue for us and highlights that we do need to address it and hopefully look at maybe having some local manufacturing of really important medicines like this,’ Dr Griffin added.

The current nationwide medicine shortage has serious implications for public health, and could have a long-term impact due to the lack of access to life-saving medications.

While pharmacists are doing their best to meet orders and compounding medications, the shortage has placed especially vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people particularly at risk.

If the recent shortage persists, it is likely to lead to a rise in preventable illnesses and medical complications due to the lack of access to necessary medications. In addition, shortages of antibiotics can lead to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an even greater risk to public health.

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

Overall, it has become apparent that Australia needs at the very least look into local medicine manufacturing, as well as measures to mitigate the potential risks of relying on international suppliers.

This could help to prevent future medicine shortages and protect the public health of Australians.

What are your thoughts on this? We’re sure it’s all not so simple, but for the sake of discussion: should Australia produce its own medicines from scratch, or should the country continue to be reliant on overseas manufacturers?

Let us know in the comments below!

Honestly, Australia is, I'm sure, more than capable of producing the bulk of things we get from overseas. We have so many resources and yet we send them overseas just to have to buy them back, we dont need to depend on other countries so why are we?

 

[Rob44]

This simply highlights the utter incompetence of Australia's politicians, and I don't care which political party they purport to be members of, when it comes to securing the health of their electors. Australia is still a colony run by governments of squatters depending on laziness of forethought to get by. We can't even make an Anti-Covid-19 c vaccine let alone anything else. However, we can't complain; we all have to vote for our politicians, by law, so it is also ourselves who are guilty of lazy thinking, just like that jolly swagman sitting by that billabong. "Waltzing Matilda" is a most appropriate informal national anthem.

It is time we brought in tariffs against goods manufactured overseas by cheap labour and ensured that we had secondary industries in Australia that produced for Australia. We have more natural resources than anyone can spoke a stick at.

 

[AnnetteHawkes]

I saw this and thought we saw this coming , my daughter who is a nurse said during the pandemic that alot of medication will become not available or very scarce including antibiotics.

Australia should be making our own or at least keep a stock of at least 6 months of medication.

My daughter relies on ventolin and 3 other medications to help her breath , this makes me now want to panic buy and stock up

Surely Australia can make our own

Panic buying is not the way to go. Like with the toilet paper during the pandemic. There is probably enough to go around if we use it according to directions.

 

[Phyll]

As with many items that are imported, we are so reliant on other countries it is easy to see why there are regular shortages. We believe that Australia has the means, the people and the knowledge to make our own medications. So let's get to it!!!

I agree why don’t we make more of what is needed in Australia .

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

I agree why don’t we make more of what is needed in Australia .

Yes, and go back to manufacturing ....... (among other things). Stop this reliance on overseas countries particularly China

 

[Stanier123]

Last November we shared news of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warning about the shortage of an in-demand antibiotic.

Well, nearly two months on and right smack in the beginning of 2023, things aren’t showing any signs of improving.

Three hundred and sixty-one medicines have recently been reported as in short supply around the country. Of this, 45 have been classified as critical shortages.

Liquid antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cefalexin which are used to treat children are ‘particularly scarce’, with many stories of parents shuffling from one chemist to another in search of medication to give to their children.

Pharmacists, unable to dispense needed medication, have resorted to compound cures to fill crucial orders.

‘It's not like we don't still have antibiotics to treat infections… but we now have to go to second line antibiotics which can be more complicated, have an unnecessarily broad spectrum or be more expensive,’ said infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin.

The news comes as health experts have issued warnings over Strep A, a disease caused by bacteria that could cause severe complications in children and the elderly.

View attachment 11448

The shortage of almost four hundred medicines is expected to continue over supply issues. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

The shortage has prompted some to call for drastic measures.

Australian Medical Association Deputy National President Danielle McMullen said they were calling for liquid antibiotics to be reserved for children, seniors, and people having difficulty swallowing.

‘Most of the time, you can find an alternative, but obviously, it can be very stressful for patients,’ she added.

The TGA also allowed substitutions for oral amoxicillin and oral cefalexin in December 2022 in response to the matter, which it explained was due to manufacturing issues in a major supplier.

Other medications affected by the shortage include ones used for epilepsy and cancer.

The medicine shortage has also opened up discussions on Australia’s precarious place in the global medicine market.

‘Australia doesn't produce many medications here. We allow about 90 per cent of what we use here to come from overseas,’ said Adele Tahan, Vice President of Pharmacy Guild NSW.

‘We have to rely on worldwide supply and unfortunately the situation right now is that we're waiting for the antibiotics to become available.’

But why is Australia reduced to ‘waiting’?

‘Australia's not an attractive place for medicines to come to us. The American market is a massive market and the prices charged in America are much higher than what we can charge in Australia… It makes us the last country for medicine to come here,’ Tahan explained.

She shared that Australia accounts for a measly 2 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market. In contrast, the US accounts for roughly 41 per cent.

View attachment 11447

Reports say chemists have been forced to compound drugs to fulfil the needs of customers. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/ready made

‘We are such a small slice of the world pharmaceutical industry pie, and we also don’t pay top dollar like the US, we’re not the first priority as far as getting stock into the country,’ added pharmacist Andrew Farmer.

‘It’s affecting patient outcomes every day,’ he said.

‘This is a big issue for us and highlights that we do need to address it and hopefully look at maybe having some local manufacturing of really important medicines like this,’ Dr Griffin added.

The current nationwide medicine shortage has serious implications for public health, and could have a long-term impact due to the lack of access to life-saving medications.

While pharmacists are doing their best to meet orders and compounding medications, the shortage has placed especially vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people particularly at risk.

If the recent shortage persists, it is likely to lead to a rise in preventable illnesses and medical complications due to the lack of access to necessary medications. In addition, shortages of antibiotics can lead to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an even greater risk to public health.

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

Overall, it has become apparent that Australia needs at the very least look into local medicine manufacturing, as well as measures to mitigate the potential risks of relying on international suppliers.

This could help to prevent future medicine shortages and protect the public health of Australians.

What are your thoughts on this? We’re sure it’s all not so simple, but for the sake of discussion: should Australia produce its own medicines from scratch, or should the country continue to be reliant on overseas manufacturers?

Let us know in the comments below!

There are many pharmaceuticals that folks can do without by changing her lifestyle. That includes changes to what hey eat, eat less, drink less alcohol and exercise more. Learn more about their body and the real science. Check out Dr Paul Mason, Sten Ekberg, Rhonda Patrick etc videos On YouTube.
There are many myths perpetuated by GPS on statins etc. Learn about your body, challenge the GP. It’s not their fault as medical institutions are slow to correct their mistakes and myths.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Panic buying is not the way to go. Like with the toilet paper during the pandemic. There is probably enough to go around if we use it according to directions.

I hate panic buying but I want to know she has at least 8 weeks supply at a time. She is 18 in and out of hospital and relies on her medication to breath.

 

[Macarj]

Aw, gee. Next thing you know, we'll have people firmly against taking generic brands of medications because they can't possibly have the same effect as branded ones ...

I am on blood pressure medication and cholestorol medication for thirty years I have used generic brands my doctor said many years ago there is no difference I get a checkup every year blood and cholestorol levels are perfect

 

[Kgee]

Unfortunately generic medications are not always good for some people. My chemist gave me a generic blood pressure medication when my usual one was in short supply and i ended up with a full body rash reaction and had to see a dermatologist. Also had a bad reaction to a hayfever med. Australia should be producing more of our own meds. Its ridiculous that we rely on other countries for things that are necessary.

 

[Chris]

Holding us to accept a huge price increase?

 

[Zemo]

Think outside your bloody wallets, politicians! Of course, it's pointless putting a thought like that up on a site like this, but I'm fairly sure I wouldn't be Robinson Crusoe in thinking it.

 

[JoanO]

Last November we shared news of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warning about the shortage of an in-demand antibiotic.

Well, nearly two months on and right smack in the beginning of 2023, things aren’t showing any signs of improving.

Three hundred and sixty-one medicines have recently been reported as in short supply around the country. Of this, 45 have been classified as critical shortages.

Liquid antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cefalexin which are used to treat children are ‘particularly scarce’, with many stories of parents shuffling from one chemist to another in search of medication to give to their children.

Pharmacists, unable to dispense needed medication, have resorted to compound cures to fill crucial orders.

‘It's not like we don't still have antibiotics to treat infections… but we now have to go to second line antibiotics which can be more complicated, have an unnecessarily broad spectrum or be more expensive,’ said infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin.

The news comes as health experts have issued warnings over Strep A, a disease caused by bacteria that could cause severe complications in children and the elderly.

View attachment 11448

The shortage of almost four hundred medicines is expected to continue over supply issues. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

The shortage has prompted some to call for drastic measures.

Australian Medical Association Deputy National President Danielle McMullen said they were calling for liquid antibiotics to be reserved for children, seniors, and people having difficulty swallowing.

‘Most of the time, you can find an alternative, but obviously, it can be very stressful for patients,’ she added.

The TGA also allowed substitutions for oral amoxicillin and oral cefalexin in December 2022 in response to the matter, which it explained was due to manufacturing issues in a major supplier.

Other medications affected by the shortage include ones used for epilepsy and cancer.

The medicine shortage has also opened up discussions on Australia’s precarious place in the global medicine market.

‘Australia doesn't produce many medications here. We allow about 90 per cent of what we use here to come from overseas,’ said Adele Tahan, Vice President of Pharmacy Guild NSW.

‘We have to rely on worldwide supply and unfortunately the situation right now is that we're waiting for the antibiotics to become available.’

But why is Australia reduced to ‘waiting’?

‘Australia's not an attractive place for medicines to come to us. The American market is a massive market and the prices charged in America are much higher than what we can charge in Australia… It makes us the last country for medicine to come here,’ Tahan explained.

She shared that Australia accounts for a measly 2 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market. In contrast, the US accounts for roughly 41 per cent.

View attachment 11447

Reports say chemists have been forced to compound drugs to fulfil the needs of customers. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/ready made

‘We are such a small slice of the world pharmaceutical industry pie, and we also don’t pay top dollar like the US, we’re not the first priority as far as getting stock into the country,’ added pharmacist Andrew Farmer.

‘It’s affecting patient outcomes every day,’ he said.

‘This is a big issue for us and highlights that we do need to address it and hopefully look at maybe having some local manufacturing of really important medicines like this,’ Dr Griffin added.

The current nationwide medicine shortage has serious implications for public health, and could have a long-term impact due to the lack of access to life-saving medications.

While pharmacists are doing their best to meet orders and compounding medications, the shortage has placed especially vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people particularly at risk.

If the recent shortage persists, it is likely to lead to a rise in preventable illnesses and medical complications due to the lack of access to necessary medications. In addition, shortages of antibiotics can lead to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an even greater risk to public health.

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

Overall, it has become apparent that Australia needs at the very least look into local medicine manufacturing, as well as measures to mitigate the potential risks of relying on international suppliers.

This could help to prevent future medicine shortages and protect the public health of Australians.

What are your thoughts on this? We’re sure it’s all not so simple, but for the sake of discussion: should Australia produce its own medicines from scratch, or should the country continue to be reliant on overseas manufacturers?

Let us know in the comments below!

I believe that Australia should indeed manufacture the necessary medications for all Australians and not rely on overseas manufacturers.
Far too many manufacturers have gone off shore.

 

[Lynjw]

Last November we shared news of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warning about the shortage of an in-demand antibiotic.

Well, nearly two months on and right smack in the beginning of 2023, things aren’t showing any signs of improving.

Three hundred and sixty-one medicines have recently been reported as in short supply around the country. Of this, 45 have been classified as critical shortages.

Liquid antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cefalexin which are used to treat children are ‘particularly scarce’, with many stories of parents shuffling from one chemist to another in search of medication to give to their children.

Pharmacists, unable to dispense needed medication, have resorted to compound cures to fill crucial orders.

‘It's not like we don't still have antibiotics to treat infections… but we now have to go to second line antibiotics which can be more complicated, have an unnecessarily broad spectrum or be more expensive,’ said infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin.

The news comes as health experts have issued warnings over Strep A, a disease caused by bacteria that could cause severe complications in children and the elderly.

View attachment 11448

The shortage of almost four hundred medicines is expected to continue over supply issues. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

The shortage has prompted some to call for drastic measures.

Australian Medical Association Deputy National President Danielle McMullen said they were calling for liquid antibiotics to be reserved for children, seniors, and people having difficulty swallowing.

‘Most of the time, you can find an alternative, but obviously, it can be very stressful for patients,’ she added.

The TGA also allowed substitutions for oral amoxicillin and oral cefalexin in December 2022 in response to the matter, which it explained was due to manufacturing issues in a major supplier.

Other medications affected by the shortage include ones used for epilepsy and cancer.

The medicine shortage has also opened up discussions on Australia’s precarious place in the global medicine market.

‘Australia doesn't produce many medications here. We allow about 90 per cent of what we use here to come from overseas,’ said Adele Tahan, Vice President of Pharmacy Guild NSW.

‘We have to rely on worldwide supply and unfortunately the situation right now is that we're waiting for the antibiotics to become available.’

But why is Australia reduced to ‘waiting’?

‘Australia's not an attractive place for medicines to come to us. The American market is a massive market and the prices charged in America are much higher than what we can charge in Australia… It makes us the last country for medicine to come here,’ Tahan explained.

She shared that Australia accounts for a measly 2 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market. In contrast, the US accounts for roughly 41 per cent.

View attachment 11447

Reports say chemists have been forced to compound drugs to fulfil the needs of customers. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/ready made

‘We are such a small slice of the world pharmaceutical industry pie, and we also don’t pay top dollar like the US, we’re not the first priority as far as getting stock into the country,’ added pharmacist Andrew Farmer.

‘It’s affecting patient outcomes every day,’ he said.

‘This is a big issue for us and highlights that we do need to address it and hopefully look at maybe having some local manufacturing of really important medicines like this,’ Dr Griffin added.

The current nationwide medicine shortage has serious implications for public health, and could have a long-term impact due to the lack of access to life-saving medications.

While pharmacists are doing their best to meet orders and compounding medications, the shortage has placed especially vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people particularly at risk.

If the recent shortage persists, it is likely to lead to a rise in preventable illnesses and medical complications due to the lack of access to necessary medications. In addition, shortages of antibiotics can lead to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an even greater risk to public health.

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

Overall, it has become apparent that Australia needs at the very least look into local medicine manufacturing, as well as measures to mitigate the potential risks of relying on international suppliers.

This could help to prevent future medicine shortages and protect the public health of Australians.

What are your thoughts on this? We’re sure it’s all not so simple, but for the sake of discussion: should Australia produce its own medicines from scratch, or should the country continue to be reliant on overseas manufacturers?

Let us know in the comments below!

Definitely need to locally produce more meds.

 

[Zemo]

Definitely need to locally produce more meds.

Not to mention products of ALL kinds ...

 

[Loiey]

Last November we shared news of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warning about the shortage of an in-demand antibiotic.

Well, nearly two months on and right smack in the beginning of 2023, things aren’t showing any signs of improving.

Three hundred and sixty-one medicines have recently been reported as in short supply around the country. Of this, 45 have been classified as critical shortages.

Liquid antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cefalexin which are used to treat children are ‘particularly scarce’, with many stories of parents shuffling from one chemist to another in search of medication to give to their children.

Pharmacists, unable to dispense needed medication, have resorted to compound cures to fill crucial orders.

‘It's not like we don't still have antibiotics to treat infections… but we now have to go to second line antibiotics which can be more complicated, have an unnecessarily broad spectrum or be more expensive,’ said infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin.

The news comes as health experts have issued warnings over Strep A, a disease caused by bacteria that could cause severe complications in children and the elderly.

View attachment 11448

The shortage of almost four hundred medicines is expected to continue over supply issues. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

The shortage has prompted some to call for drastic measures.

Australian Medical Association Deputy National President Danielle McMullen said they were calling for liquid antibiotics to be reserved for children, seniors, and people having difficulty swallowing.

‘Most of the time, you can find an alternative, but obviously, it can be very stressful for patients,’ she added.

The TGA also allowed substitutions for oral amoxicillin and oral cefalexin in December 2022 in response to the matter, which it explained was due to manufacturing issues in a major supplier.

Other medications affected by the shortage include ones used for epilepsy and cancer.

The medicine shortage has also opened up discussions on Australia’s precarious place in the global medicine market.

‘Australia doesn't produce many medications here. We allow about 90 per cent of what we use here to come from overseas,’ said Adele Tahan, Vice President of Pharmacy Guild NSW.

‘We have to rely on worldwide supply and unfortunately the situation right now is that we're waiting for the antibiotics to become available.’

But why is Australia reduced to ‘waiting’?

‘Australia's not an attractive place for medicines to come to us. The American market is a massive market and the prices charged in America are much higher than what we can charge in Australia… It makes us the last country for medicine to come here,’ Tahan explained.

She shared that Australia accounts for a measly 2 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market. In contrast, the US accounts for roughly 41 per cent.

View attachment 11447

Reports say chemists have been forced to compound drugs to fulfil the needs of customers. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/ready made

‘We are such a small slice of the world pharmaceutical industry pie, and we also don’t pay top dollar like the US, we’re not the first priority as far as getting stock into the country,’ added pharmacist Andrew Farmer.

‘It’s affecting patient outcomes every day,’ he said.

‘This is a big issue for us and highlights that we do need to address it and hopefully look at maybe having some local manufacturing of really important medicines like this,’ Dr Griffin added.

The current nationwide medicine shortage has serious implications for public health, and could have a long-term impact due to the lack of access to life-saving medications.

While pharmacists are doing their best to meet orders and compounding medications, the shortage has placed especially vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people particularly at risk.

If the recent shortage persists, it is likely to lead to a rise in preventable illnesses and medical complications due to the lack of access to necessary medications. In addition, shortages of antibiotics can lead to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an even greater risk to public health.

Source: YouTube/Sky News Australia​

Overall, it has become apparent that Australia needs at the very least look into local medicine manufacturing, as well as measures to mitigate the potential risks of relying on international suppliers.

This could help to prevent future medicine shortages and protect the public health of Australians.

What are your thoughts on this? We’re sure it’s all not so simple, but for the sake of discussion: should Australia produce its own medicines from scratch, or should the country continue to be reliant on overseas manufacturers?

Let us know in the comments below!

No just looking into local medicine manufacture. Just get it done. We need to be self sufficient if the rest of the world thinks we are not worth a look in.