TORONTO - The maker of the antiviral drug Tamiflu has told health authorities that the global supply of Tamiflu powder used to make a liquid formulation for children and those who have difficulty swallowing is limited, and the situation may stay that way for this flu season.
In the midst of the H1N1 flu pandemic, Hoffman-La Roche says higher priority has been given to producing Tamiflu capsules, in response to increased demand and to ensure an adequate supply for all patients.
As a result, Health Canada issued a reminder Friday for pharmacists and health-care providers about approved instructions for using Tamiflu capsules to make a liquid formulation.
It notes the instructions in the product monograph involve mixing the powder inside the capsules with a syrup. However, the syrup may also be in short supply.
Health Canada is telling pharmacists there's increased demand in some locations for the Ora-Sweet SF sugar-free oral syrup used in the compounding.
The manufacturer of the syrup, Paddock Laboratories, says it has increased production to meet demand and is currently responding to outstanding orders.
