Celine Geraud
modified to
9:46 p.m., February 02, 2023
Out of stock since November, amoxicillin, an antibiotic widely prescribed to children to treat ear infections, angina and other pneumopathies, will be back in pharmacies. According to information from Europe 1, one million bottles will be delivered to pharmacies within 15 days.
It is the most prescribed drug in children in France. Amoxicillin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can treat sore throats, ear infections and other pneumopathies, is however almost impossible to find in pharmacies due to stock shortages that have lasted since November. Nevertheless, the precious medicine should soon find its way back to pharmacy drawers. According to a source close to the Ministry of Health, one million vials of amoxicillin will be delivered within 15 days. A total that equals one month of stock. An announcement that sounds like a relief for families and pediatricians.
Better anticipate winter epidemics
Still according to information from Europe 1, a “white drug plan”, which can be activated in the event of an exceptional situation, will be launched within three months. It will be intended to strengthen France’s autonomy in this area and provides for the relocation to France of the production of certain strategic drugs.
In order to avoid new shortages by the end of May, a list of essential medicines will also be drawn up and systems will be put in place with the pharmaceutical industry to anticipate shortages and plan for other sources of ‘supply. Finally, still according to a source close to the Ministry of Health, the National Medicines Agency, in conjunction with the General Directorate of Health, is preparing to launch a plan to prepare for winter pathologies. Its objective will be to better anticipate recurring epidemics of influenza, bronchiolitis and Covid.