Tag

Penicillin

All articles tagged with #penicillin

health1 year ago

Syphilis Resurgence: Alarming Rates and Asymptomatic Cases

Health experts in Michigan are concerned about the rising rates of syphilis among adult men and women, as well as infants, with a particular increase in the heterosexual community. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian warns that syphilis can be asymptomatic, especially in women, and emphasizes the importance of testing as untreated syphilis can lead to neurological damage. There has also been an increase in congenital syphilis, prompting a nationwide demand for penicillin, which is the recommended treatment for the disease.

health1 year ago

"Rising Syphilis Cases in the US Prompt Urgent Calls for Penicillin Rationing"

As syphilis cases soar to their highest level in over seven decades, doctors are being urged to ration penicillin due to an insufficient supply, with Pfizer warning of increased demand that they can't meet. The rise in sexually transmitted infections, attributed to decreased condom use and lack of recognition of syphilis symptoms, has led to a shortage of the essential antibiotic. Public health agencies have recommended prioritizing pregnant individuals for treatment due to the risks to both mother and baby, as untreated syphilis can be deadly or lead to deformities in infants.

health-epidemic1 year ago

"Rationing Penicillin to Curb Deadly Syphilis Epidemic Amid 70-Year High in STD Rates"

Doctors in the US are facing a shortage of penicillin, the first-line treatment for the alarming surge in syphilis cases, which have increased by over 2,000 percent since 2002. The shortage has led to rationing of the drug, with priority given to pregnant patients due to the risk of congenital syphilis. The epidemic is partly attributed to a drop in condom use and the popularity of dating apps, while a wider drug shortage in America has left many without treatment for bacterial infections. The situation is exacerbated by manufacturing issues and supply-chain disruptions, with the pandemic also increasing demand for medication and equipment.

health2 years ago

Common Misconceptions About Allergies: Debunking Five False Allergen Beliefs

Many people mistakenly believe they are allergic to certain substances, such as penicillin, gluten, dairy, and fruit, when they are actually experiencing other conditions or intolerances. A study found that over 90% of those labeled with a penicillin allergy did not have one when tested. Similarly, gluten intolerance is often mistaken for coeliac disease, and cutting out dairy without a valid reason can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Only 2% of people have a fruit allergy, and hay fever, caused by pollen, affects one in four people in the UK. Understanding the difference between allergies and intolerances is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

health2 years ago

Syphilis Outbreaks in US Threatened by Drug Shortage

The United States is experiencing a surge in syphilis cases, including congenital syphilis, with 2021 reaching a 70-year high. However, a shortage of the main drug used in treatment, penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A), is limiting access to treatment for those with the illness. The shortage is attributed to the rising number of syphilis cases and the drug's use as an alternative to amoxicillin, which is also in short supply. Pfizer, the sole manufacturer of penicillin G benzathine, estimates it will take about a year to increase production enough to end the shortage. Experts are concerned that the shortage could hinder patients' ability to receive treatment, and the CDC is recommending providers prioritize pregnant patients and infants while suggesting an alternate drug regimen for others.

health2 years ago

"Syphilis Outbreak in Texas City Exacerbated by Penicillin Shortage"

The city of Houston has declared a syphilis outbreak, with a significant increase in cases among women and congenital syphilis. The availability of Bicillin, the penicillin drug used to treat syphilis, is becoming a concern as the FDA expects a limited supply. Syphilis cases have been on the rise in the US, with a 74% increase since 2017. Certain regions, like Texas, have seen a dramatic spike in congenital syphilis cases. Some doctors have reported a surge in positive syphilis cases among women in Texas prisons. The CDC provides guidance for syphilis screenings for immigrants and refugees entering the US, but some doctors are skeptical about the actual testing. Pfizer, the only manufacturer of Bicillin, states that the drug is in constrained supply but denies an official shortage. The company is working to produce more Bicillin to meet the demand.

health2 years ago

Pfizer warns of long-lasting penicillin shortage for kids and adults.

Pfizer is warning of an impending shortage of penicillin due to increased demand and more diagnoses of syphilis. The scarcity of penicillin comes amid a long-term shortage of prescription drugs the U.S. has been experiencing for the last decade, usually as a result of disruptions in the supply chain, like the one caused by the pandemic. Inventory is predicted to start recovering in the second and third quarters of 2024.

health2 years ago

Penicillin Shortage Impacts Treatment of Syphilis and Strep in US

The FDA has reported a shortage of injectable penicillin, the preferred drug for syphilis treatment, due to increased demand and a shortage of liquid amoxicillin. Pfizer, the sole supplier of the drug in the US, said it has been delivering more of its injectable penicillin to the market than ever before but still can’t keep up with demand. The shortage is expected to resolve sometime from October to December. The rise in syphilis cases most likely further accelerated demand, the company said.