Eight drugmakers together have 21 oseltamivir presentations — a common flu drug sold under the brand name Tamiflu — on back order and allocation, and most cannot estimate a resupply date, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Most drugmakers did not share with ASHP a reason for the shortage, but one cited the supply issue as a reason for high demand. The shortage of the common flu drug is not national, according to the FDA, but some local pockets are noting increased demand and shortages.
Here's how the oseltamivir shortage breaks down as of Jan. 11, per ASHP:
- Alembic Pharmaceuticals has one presentation on back order with a resupply date of late January and two others on allocation.
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals has four oseltamivir products on back order.
- Camber Pharmaceuticals has three on allocation.
- Lupin Limited has four on allocation.
- Macleods Pharma has one on back order with a release date of early February and another on allocation.
- Novadoz has three on allocation.
- Teva Pharmaceuticals has one on intermittent back order and is resupplying as product becomes available.
- Zydus Lifesciences has one on allocation.