STREP A - SERIOUS SHORTAGE PROTOCOLS ISSUED FOR THREE PENICILLIN MEDICINES

BY CATHY NICOLE CARR

The Government has now issued «serious shortage protocols» for three penicillin treatments as Strep A cases continue to rise.

This change to official policy means that pharmacists will be permitted to supply a «specified alternative medicine», which then takes away the need for the patient to return to the prescribing clinician.

Earlier this week, Health Secretary Steve Barclay denied that there was any shortage of drugs used to treat Strep A.

A steep hike in Strep A infections among schoolchildren has increased demand for Penicillin V and amoxicillin, which are used to treat the illness.

A total of 19 children have now died from invasive Group A streptococcal infection (iGAS) in recent weeks, which has prompted health officials to lower the prescription threshold for both drugs, which has in turn driven up demand.

Minister of State for Health, Will Quince said:

«The increased demand for the antibiotics prescribed to treat Strep A has meant some pharmacists have been unable to supply the medicine shown on the prescription.

These Serious Shortage Protocols will allow pharmacists to supply an alternative form of penicillin, which will make things easier for them, patients, and GPs.»

He added that the Government would work with manufacturers and wholesalers to «speed up deliveries, bring forward stock they have to help ensure it gets to where it's needed, and boost supply to meet demand as quickly as possible».

Evening Standard