The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has urged Australians not to stockpile prescription medicines amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
The Administration said it had not received any notifications of medicine shortages in Australia as a direct result of COVID-19.
“While it may be appropriate for individuals to ensure that they have at least two weeks supply of prescription medicines in the unlikely event they are quarantined, any stockpiling of medicines is unnecessary,” the TGA said.
“Stockpiling by individuals could result in other consumers being unable to access particular medicines.”
It said that given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, the TGA was closely monitoring international manufacturing of medicines and liaising with Australian medicine sponsors, wholesalers and pharmacists to determine any potential impact on medicine supply to Australian consumers.
“The TGA is also part of an active international network of regulators who are meeting regularly to assess medicine shortages, with a focus on availability of medicines associated with COVID-19,” it said.
“The TGA also coordinates the national Medicines Shortages Working Group, which comprises innovator and generic prescription and OTC medicines peak bodies, medicines supply chain organisations, medical and community and hospital pharmacy professional organisations, in addition to Departmental staff.”
It said the Working Group was meeting regularly to discuss emerging issues relating to possible shortages and their management.
“In Australia, medicines sponsors (companies) are required by law to report current and anticipated shortages of prescription medicines and certain over-the-counter medicines,” the TGA said.
It said that details of any medicine shortages relating to COVID-19, including information about expected duration and the supply of potential alternative products, would be made public.
“We will work closely with sponsors to manage supply and source alternatives where necessary,” the TGA said.
