Drugmaker reports shortage of kids' Tamiflu

Switzerland-based Roche Holdings sent a notice to doctors and pharmacists about a shortage of the liquid version of Tamiflu for children and how to handle prescriptions in the meantime.

The company has been facing increasing demand for Tamiflu since swine flu first appeared in April, and has decided to focus production on adult-strength pills, which it can make faster than children's formulations, company spokeswoman Kristina Becker said Wednesday.

The adult-dosage pills are still in good supply, and pharmacies can grind them and turn them into smaller doses for children, she said.

Tamiflu is one of two drugs that work against swine flu. Another flu treatment, Relenza, is in good supply as well, government health officials said this week in a message to pharmacists.

Swine flu has been on the upswing, with 21 states reporting widespread cases, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And seasonal flu is a looming threat as the weather turns colder.

Tamiflu is the most-prescribed treatment for people with seasonal flu. When given shortly after symptoms appear, it can shorten the severity and duration of illness.

The adult dosage is a 75-milligram pill twice a day. Children's dosages are based on how much they weigh. They are usually given either smaller pills or the medicine in a sweetened liquid.

Earlier this month, Roche notified doctors and pharmacists of its production decision. The Roche message that went out Wednesday reminded them that shortages of pediatric doses may appear. It also cautioned them to be careful while using pills to fill prescriptions for liquids.

Jim Cohn, a spokesman for Walgreen's, which operates pharmacies in all 50 states, said the chain has seen shortages in several regions, including the South.

"I would not say this is a crisis," he said.

Health officials say that in the event of shortages, the drugs should be prioritized for people who are hospitalized and for those at risk for severe flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.

Tamiflu is made at several facilities, including some in the United States. The company has been increasing production, and by next year it is expected to have jumped 10-fold since 2005. By that time, the company will be making 33 million courses of treatment per month, Becker said.

A course of treatment is two doses daily for five days, she added.

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