Whooping cough drug shortage sees pharmacists turn away worried parents

20 May 2024 , 12:18

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Whooping cough drug shortage sees pharmacists turn away worried parents

Pharmacists have been forced to turn away worried parents as they struggle with an antibiotic shortage that can be used to treat whooping cough.

England has witnessed the biggest outbreak of the 100-day cough, also known as pertussis, in more than a decade. Now, medical professionals are baring the brunt of the surge in cases, with reports that cases since the start of this year have more than trebled compared to the whole of 2023.

The highly contagious disease has taken the lives of five babies so far this year, with parents alerting others to the sudden decline in their children's conditions. To make things worse, Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said pharmacies have been running out of stock.

Some pharmacies have run out of stock for a liquid antibiotic (Getty Images)

Medical experts have raised the alarm that they are struggling to secure the liquid form of clarithromycin, which is one of the main drugs recommended for kids. They have warned that supplies have dropped for months. Dr Hannbeck told The Mail on Sunday: "We have had an ongoing problem with the supply of common antibiotics for two years now and this current epidemic of whooping cough is putting an additional strain on supplies.

"While the shortage isn't widespread, there are sporadic problems getting hold of these drugs in pockets across the country. No-one wants to send a mother and a child home without antibiotics. But, increasingly, pharmacists are in a situation where they're having to do just that." It has been reported that GPs can offer one of four antibiotics; clarithromycin, erythromycin, azithromycin and co-trimoxazole. The drugs can help prevent the bacterial infection from spreading further and allows patients to be infection-free within 48 later.

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Tablets are mainly used for adults (Getty Images)

Some places have stressed they can only source tablets at this time. One pharmacist told the publication: "We can only get overpriced tablets (no kids' antibiotics available for absolute months!)." A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We are not aware of any supply shortages of antibiotic treatments for whooping cough, which are currently available across the country to those in need.

"We are working with primary care across England to support the management of whooping cough including the supply of antibiotics. The UK Health Security Agency and NHS England have been engaging local communities to highlight the importance of vaccination and make sure people know how to access the jabs as quickly as possible." The Mirror has contacted DHSC for comment.

Monica Charsley