As amoxicillin shortage continues, prescriptions have plummeted, study finds: ‘Immediate, sweeping effect’
As amoxicillin shortage continues, prescriptions have plummeted, study finds: ‘Immediate, sweeping effect’
The shortage of amoxicillin in the U.S. has had a significant impact on the prescription rates for children with ear infections, Based on a recent study. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that the odds of a child being prescribed amoxicillin for ear infections have decreased by 91% since the shortage began. The study included over 3,000 children who were treated at one healthcare provider. The authors of the study believe that regulatory agencies, policymakers, and health systems should take action to address the shortage.
Reasons for the shortage and the need for FDA intervention
The study authors noted that most manufacturers did not provide a reason for the amoxicillin shortage or an estimated timeframe for resolution. They argue that drug shortages have a significant impact on prescribing patterns and should be monitored and addressed by regulatory agencies. The authors suggest that the FDA should increase oversight of essential medications, require disclosure of supply issues, and incentivize antibiotic production to mitigate the low profitability of these drugs.
Furthermore, the shortage of amoxicillin is concerning because it is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for children. Amoxicillin is used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections of the sinuses, ear, throat, skin, and urinary tract. The scarcity of amoxicillin may lead to inadequate treatment for these conditions, potentially causing complications and the need for alternative, less-effective medications.
Experts also warn that the flu and other respiratory viruses, which are not treated with antibiotics, can trigger other conditions and infections that do require medications like amoxicillin. Therefore, ensuring an adequate supply of amoxicillin is crucial for managing secondary infections and complications associated with viral illnesses.
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