Pharmacies are handed new powers to tackle outbreak
EFFECTIVE penicillin alternatives can be prescribed by clinicians to treat Strep A if the first-choice drug is out of stock amid supply issues at some pharmacies.
New guidance sent out yesterday will allow pharmacists flexibility in ensuring as many patients as possible will now be able to obtain effective antibiotics.
Guidance co-signed by NICE, NHS England, UKHSA, GPS and pharmacists went out to healthcare professionals informing them of the change.
The document will be valid until the end of January and help parents worried about their child having a sore throat and potentially Strep A to get treatment if prescribed by a GP.
The guidance says that phenoxymethylpenicillin (Pen V) remains the first choice drug “due to its high effectiveness, no reported resistance, and narrow spectrum of activity”.
But, if this is unavailable, then amoxicillin, macrolides and cefalexin can be given out by pharmacists “in decreasing preference”.
New edict frees up use of effective alternative antibiotics if a GP’S first choice is out of stock
Doctors and pharmacists were getting frustrated that they were hamstrung by regulations and had to turn people away even empty-handed because the prescribed drug was out of stock but other effective treatments were in stock yet couldn’t be given out due to strict regulations.
Previously, if a GP prescribed a specific antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, then a pharmacist was unable to give out an alternative if out of stock.
The Government has repeatedly issued reassurances that there are plentiful supplies of antibiotics that can treat Strep A, despite pharmacists reporting depleted stocks and supply issues.
There is a short-term issue with a sugar-containing liquid form of amoxicillin which is designed to taste nicer for children, but sugar-free versions are available.
It is understood liquid forms of Pen V, the first choice drug for Strep A, have seen a sharp increase in demand this week which has depleted wholesaler stock levels rapidly and replenishments have not kept in step with demand.