Tag

Antibiotic Shortage

All articles tagged with #antibiotic shortage

health2 years ago

"Syphilis Surge Across US Cities Amid Drug Shortages and Funding Cuts"

The US is experiencing a significant rise in syphilis cases, reaching a 27-year high, alongside a shortage of Bicillin L-A, the key antibiotic for treatment, particularly in pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis. Public health officials are concerned about the impact on maternal and fetal health, with alternative treatments being less effective. Pfizer, the sole manufacturer of Bicillin L-A in the US, is struggling to meet demand but aims to resolve the shortage by spring 2024. The Biden administration has formed a taskforce and is providing strategic support to combat the outbreak, highlighting the importance of syphilis as a public health issue for 2024.

health2 years ago

Antibiotic Shortage Persists Amidst Rising Strep Cases

Cases of strep throat are on the rise in the US, particularly among children aged 4 to 12, but there is an ongoing shortage of amoxicillin powder, a commonly used antibiotic for treating the bacterial infection. The shortage, which began in October 2022, is complicating treatment options for young children who cannot swallow pills. While alternative antibiotics exist, they may not be suitable due to resistance issues or taste. Amoxicillin was the most prescribed antibiotic in the US in 2021. Health experts urge parents to seek alternative medications if amoxicillin is unavailable to prevent untreated strep infections, which can lead to prolonged contagiousness and antibiotic resistance.

health2 years ago

Rising Congenital Syphilis Crisis in the U.S.: Understanding the Antibiotic Shortage

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about the alarming rise in congenital syphilis cases in the United States, reaching "dire levels." The number of cases has more than tripled since 2017, with over 2,000 cases documented in 2021, the highest in 27 years. Congenital syphilis can lead to severe health problems and even death for newborns. The infection is preventable and treatable through testing and antibiotic treatment during pregnancy. However, the shortage of crucial antibiotics used to treat syphilis is exacerbating the situation. Health experts are urging the Biden Administration to declare congenital syphilis a public health emergency.

health2 years ago

Resurgence of Strep Throat Raises Concern Among Doctors

Strep throat cases are surging among children in certain areas of the United States, raising concerns about a potential shortage of antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. Doctors have reported an unprecedented increase in strep throat cases, with some hospitals seeing it as the second most common diagnosis. The reasons for the surge are unclear, but disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role. While some regions have experienced a significant increase in strep throat, others have not seen notable rises. Treatment for strep throat typically involves antibiotics, but there has been a shortage of the widely used antibiotic amoxicillin, particularly in the form given to young children.

health2 years ago

Resurgence of Strep Throat Sparks Concern Among Doctors

Strep throat cases are surging among children in certain areas of the United States, causing concerns about a potential shortage of antibiotics to treat the illness during the upcoming winter months. Doctors have reported an unprecedented increase in strep throat diagnoses, with some hospitals seeing it as the second most common diagnosis after chest pain. The exact reason for the resurgence is unclear, but disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role. While some medical centers have not observed notable increases, others have reported a 300% to 400% rise in strep throat cases since the start of the school year. Fortunately, strep throat levels appear to be returning to pre-pandemic proportions after a spike last year. However, there is a shortage of the widely used antibiotic amoxicillin, especially for young children, which may pose challenges in treating the illness.

health2 years ago

"Rising Syphilis Cases in US Prompt Struggle for Crucial Antibiotic"

STD clinics in the United States are struggling to find an adequate supply of the preferred antibiotic treatment for syphilis, Bicillin, as infections continue to rise. The National Coalition of STD Directors and other public health groups have sent a letter to the White House, urging them to intervene and work with drugmaker Pfizer to ensure an adequate supply. The shortage of Bicillin has left health departments scrambling to ration existing supply and develop contingency plans. The rise in syphilis cases, including congenital syphilis, has been significant, with reported cases increasing by 74% from 2017 to 2021. Pfizer has acknowledged limited supplies of Bicillin and estimated that the issue may not be resolved until 2024.

health2 years ago

"Shortage of Popular Children's Antibiotic Amoxicillin Sparks Concerns and Alternative Options"

Liquid amoxicillin, a popular antibiotic for children, has been in short supply for almost a year, leading to concerns as the colder months bring an increase in childhood infections. The shortage is due to high demand and limited production capacity. Parents may need to consider alternative medications such as amoxicillin clavulanate, ceftriaxone, penicillin VK, penicillin G benzathine, or cephalexin. The shortage highlights the vulnerability of children during the tripledemic of flu, RSV, and Covid, and the potential impact on antibiotic resistance and side effects from alternative medications.

health2 years ago

"Persistent Shortage of Common Kids' Antibiotic Amidst New Season of Infections"

Parents in the US are facing a second winter without enough amoxicillin, the most prescribed antibiotic for children. Liquid formulations of the drug, commonly used to treat strep throat, chest and sinus infections, and earaches, are still in short supply. The shortage is expected to worsen during the respiratory illness season. The shortage has led to doctors prescribing stronger antibiotics with harsher side effects and contributing to antibiotic resistance. Manufacturers have cited increased demand and low prices as reasons for the shortfall. Experts are calling for better monitoring of drug supplies and financial incentives for drug companies to produce necessary medications.

health2 years ago

Antibiotic Shortage Exacerbates Syphilis Epidemic

A shortage of Bicillin L-A, a crucial penicillin used to treat syphilis, has alarmed experts who warn that the scarcity could worsen the syphilis epidemic in the United States. Pfizer, the drugmaker, announced the shortage due to increased demand caused by rising syphilis infections and the drug's use as an alternative to amoxicillin. It is estimated that it will take about a year for Pfizer to ramp up production to meet demand. Syphilis cases in the US have been on the rise since 2000, with congenital syphilis tripling during that period. The shortage of Bicillin L-A is part of a larger drug shortage crisis, and experts are calling for solutions to address the issue.

health2 years ago

Antibiotic Shortage Linked to Surge in Syphilis Cases

A shortage of Bicillin L-A, a crucial antibiotic used to treat syphilis, could worsen the epidemic of the sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Pfizer, the drugmaker, announced the scarcity of the drug due to increased demand caused by rising syphilis infections and its use as an alternative to amoxicillin. It is estimated that it will take about a year for Pfizer to ramp up production to meet demand. Syphilis cases have been on the rise since 2000, with congenital syphilis tripling during that period. Bicillin is the recommended treatment for pregnant women infected with syphilis, and its shortage raises concerns about access to lifesaving medication. The shortage is part of a larger drug-shortage crisis, and experts criticize Pfizer for inadequate production.

health2 years ago

Strep infections surge to 6-year high in the US.

Health officials warn that strep-throat season could be prolonged due to an antibiotic shortage and increased rates of severe infections. Strep, a common infection in the throat and tonsils, can occur at any time of year, but most cases occur in late fall to early spring. While serious complications are rare, health officials urge caution and proper treatment.

health2 years ago

Strep throat infections surge to pre-COVID levels, posing a threat to children's health.

Strep throat infections have surged above pre-COVID levels, with rates of group A strep 30% higher than the previous peak seen in February 2017, according to a report from Epic Research. The majority of cases affected children aged 4 to 13. The spike in cases is likely due to other circulating viruses weakening people's immune systems, and missed cases due to a lack of vigilance. Invasive group A strep cases are also at elevated levels, with some cases not receiving timely treatment due to the current antibiotic shortage. To prevent the spread of strep, doctors advise washing hands often, avoiding sharing glasses or utensils, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

health2 years ago

Strep infections in the US continue to soar, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Strep infections have remained high in the US this spring, even compared to pre-pandemic years. The CDC reported that emergency department visits for regular strep infections reached a five-year high in February and March. Rates of invasive group A strep infections have also been higher than usual, particularly in children and older adults. Doctors have a few theories as to why strep infections have persisted at high levels, including a decline in cases during the pandemic due to Covid mitigation measures, which then left people more susceptible later. The high rate of strep infections has been extra difficult because of a shortage of the antibiotic amoxicillin.

health2 years ago

Strep infections continue to soar in the US, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Strep infections have remained high in the US this spring, even compared to pre-pandemic years. Emergency department visits for regular strep infections reached a five-year high in February and March, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rates of invasive group A strep infections have also been higher than usual, particularly in children and older adults. Doctors have a few theories as to why strep infections have persisted at high levels, including a decline in cases during the pandemic due to Covid mitigation measures, which then left people more susceptible later. The high rate of strep infections has been extra difficult because of a shortage of the antibiotic amoxicillin.

health2 years ago

Strep throat cases surge amid antibiotic shortage.

Strep throat infections remain high even as the winter’s respiratory virus season fades, and in some cases, pediatric formulations of some antibiotics are in short supply. Invasive strep, a more severe form of strep that can infect the bloodstream, has also increased in children and adults. Infectious-disease experts answer common questions about strep, its symptoms, and the antibiotic shortages affecting some parts of the country. Symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, and it is typically treated with antibiotics.