Amoxicillin Oral Powder, Albuterol, and Epinephrine Injection are just a few of the many medications found on the FDA Drug Shortage list. Amoxicillin oral powder is used to make a liquid antibiotic for children.
When a cold doesn’t go away, it may mean an infection has developed. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat ear, sinus, and lung infections. One news company reported that the Amoxicillin shortage is due to an “early respiratory season”. Another reporter claims, “the amoxicillin shortage comes as children’s hospitals nationwide are reaching capacity due to a resurgence in respiratory illnesses.” Is there a reason to be concerned about an Amoxicillin shortage, or are antibiotic shortages normal?
Within this article, I’ve interviewed three medical professionals to determine if the recent news coverage of Amoxicillin is just fearmongering hype or an early warning flare. Below are my questions and their answers.
What Medical Professionals Say About the Amoxicillin Shortage
Joe Alton, MD
- Why is Amoxicillin the most prescribed antibiotic?
“Amoxicillin covers the bacteria from the most commonly-seen infections in the ears, sinuses, plus strep throat. It is also effective for certain pneumonias. It’s not too broad-spectrum, which means it doesn’t kill off some of the good bacteria in our gut. It’s also very inexpensive, with a ten-day course costing between four to eight dollars (some places it’s free!).”
2. The FDA states the Amoxicillin shortage is due to a “demand increase for drug.” What factors would cause a demand increase?
“A common reason for such shortages are mass purchases by the military or other government agencies replenishing national stockpiles. Some years ago, the military purchased so much of the antibiotic doxycycline that it became widely unavailable for a time. As a result, the government issued an emergency use authorization for expired lots of the drug.”
3. Does the United States have any companies that produce Amoxicillin, or is all of it imported overseas?
“At present, only USAntibiotics of Bristol, TN produces amoxicillin in the United States (as far as I know).”
4. What medical preps or tips would you recommend to preppers as we face ‘supply chain issues’ and ‘increases in demand’ for vital medications?
“My advice would be to stockpile the medicines you can, be aware that most medicines remain potent longer than their expiration dates, and learn about medicinal plants in your area that you might be able to incorporate into a preparedness garden. Alternatives to standard drugs may not have as much scientific data behind them, but as President Theodore Roosevelt once said: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.””
5. Amoxicillin Oral Powder, Albuterol, and Epinephrine Injection are just a few listed as “currently in shortage.” Is there a reason to be concerned about these shortages or are these types of shortages considered normal?
“Certainly, there is a concern related to the shortages of amoxicillin and a number of other drugs. From the standpoint of the preparedness community, it should be noted that a number of antibiotics, including amoxicillin, can still be purchased without a prescription in the form of certain aquarium medicines. These contain only one ingredient, the antibiotic itself, are only produced in human doses, and are essentially identical to the human equivalent. This strategy is not meant to take the place of seeking standard medical care in normal times, but as a stockpile for the family medic in survival settngs.”
Joe Alton, MD https://www.doomandbloom.net/
Note: In Dr. Joe Alton’s book, The Survival Medical Handbook, section 35 covers antibiotics. This section answers questions like which antibiotics to store and how much to store. Both books are currently on sale.
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Chad Banks, PA-C
1. Have you encountered shortages of Amoxicillin used in children’s doses? Why do you think this current Amoxicillin powder shortage is making the news?
“I have not personally had the shortage affect any of my patients. Shortages often make the news, whether due to recalls or supply chain issues. Amoxicillin is one of the most common, if not the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for diseases such as strep throat and ear infections. Being one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, it makes sense a shortage would get some coverage.”
2. Have you noticed an early respiratory season for 2022?
“I wouldn’t say I’ve noticed an early respiratory season. My practice seems to be on par with previous years though lower than 2020 and 2021 when COVID was more problematic.”
3. What do you tell a patient’s parents if they can’t get a prescribed dose of Amoxicillin?
“Fortunately, there are many alternative antibiotics for the diseases I listed above and others that amoxicillin may be prescribed for. While amoxicillin may be considered “first line” for many conditions it isn’t the only antibiotic that can treat things like strep or ear infections. Just as in a situation where a patient is allergic to amoxicillin, an alternative can be prescribed should the shortage become more of a problem.”
Chad Banks, PA-C
Note: Chad Banks works in the midwest. Shortages have been reported in the news from Mississippi up to Ohio and across states to the east coast. He mentioned alternative antibiotics if Amoxicillin runs out; here’s a list of other antibiotics a doctor might recommend.
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Shawn Rowland, MD
CEO and Founder of JASE Medical
- In the last few years, the United States has seen product shortages. What shortages has Jase medical encountered?
“Last Spring and early Summer, there was a nationwide shortage of ciprofloxacin. We were fortunate to have been prepared and had our own stock to service our patients. Other notable antibiotics in the past are doxycycline and azithromycin. Both of these were pre-pandemic and not widely reported.”
- In several countries, there is currently a shortage of Amoxicillin Oral Powder which is used in medications for young children. Does Jase foresee running out of Amoxicillin?
“We wrote a good blog post about this. It’s very hard to predict or anticipate specific medications and to what degree they may be on short supply. This is why we encourage everyone to at least have a basic supply of antibiotics and other prescription meds on hand.”
- Amoxicillin is one of five antibiotics in the Jase case that is offered to the public. If there is a shortage of Amoxicillin, what antibiotic would you substitute in its place?
“In many cases, azithromycin is a good substitute for amoxicillin. However, it’s always best to coordinate these kinds of decisions with your doctor.”
- A Jase case of antibiotics can be ordered for a child 12 years or older. Is a child’s Jase case different from an adult Jase case?
“No, the 12 and older case is the same as our ‘adult’ case.”
- What was the inspiration behind the Jase case?
“The inspiration came while working as a physician in the ICU and general medical ward of a community hospital in 2017/2018. We dealt with shortages of antibiotics and other supplies weekly. This led to the discovery that virtually 100% of our nation’s generic pharmaceuticals are produced overseas. Mainly in China and India. Add to this the shortage of access to timely primary medical care, and many folks are left in a very vulnerable position. And so, Jase was born. At Jase, we on a mission to empower everyone to be better prepared medically. “
Shawn Rowland, MD https://jasemedical.com/
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