No need to worry about shortage of flu drug Tamiflu

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Our chief medical health officer says there’s no need for us to worry about a shortage of flu drug Tamiflu.

The company that manufactures the medication says the shortage will run until early February and is because of high demand this flu season.

Dr. Perry Kendall says it’s not a concern, there are enough supplies right now in BC and if not, there is a national emergency stockpile.

“We have frankly enough in our emergency stockpile to treat about a million people which is far more than I anticipate we would ever need, says Kendall.

The shortage relates to the 75 milligram dosage and Health Canada has stated it is working to make that emergency supply accessible to communities in need. It says it expects an alternative supply to be available before the current supply runs out.

“The Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada will continue to work with the manufacturer and with provincial and territorial health authorities to help ensure the demand for antiviral drugs continues to be met this flu season,” that from Health Canada.

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that is mainly used for people at high risk of complications if infected with influenza virus.

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