Already last winter, the alarm was raised about a lack of availability of several types of penicillin, both in Sweden and globally. Something that continued during the spring.
During the summer, several types of Kåvepenin, a penicillin used in the treatment of most infectious diseases, were registered with the Swedish Medicines Agency, which Sweden’s Radio Echo was the first to report on.
According to the Swedish Medicines Agency, this is due to a higher demand and shortage of the active substance PcV (phenoxymethylpenicillin).
– It’s to hell, frankly. Kåvepenin is very important and good for being able to treat common infections such as strep throat, sinusitis, ear infections and pneumonia, and then naturally also Lyme infection, says Rolf Gustafsson, associate professor and infectious disease doctor in Stockholm, to Ekot.
In the long run, the deficiency may mean increased prescribing of unnecessarily strong antibiotics, which also kill good bacteria.
“A messy situation”
Johan Andersson is head of unit at the Medical Products Agency. He states that the situation is challenging, but at the same time emphasizes that it is not unusual for some medicines to run out for periods.
– It’s a messy situation. A new prescription or going to another pharmacy may be required. It is difficult for patients above all, but also for healthcare staff and pharmacies to handle these situations. But antibiotics are available, although some strengths and pack sizes may be out of stock.
Both in the EU and in Sweden, work is currently underway to try to secure access. The Swedish Medicines Agency’s assessment is, however, that the current situation will persist, perhaps for up to a year.
– Residues and shortages of medicines, antibiotics and others, have existed for a period. Unfortunately, it will probably look similar for a while to come, says Johan Andersson.