A shortage in diabetes medication is due to end, with pharmacies expecting supplies of Metformin to be shipped within the next coming weeks.
Australia was hit with a shortage of the drug earlier this year.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) say the shortage is due to some suppliers having “limited or no stock”.
“It resulted in unexpected increased demand on other suppliers that cannot be fully met at this time. Suppliers are working closely with their manufacturers to expedite delivery of stock.”
Metformin is a gradual release medication to help patients with type 2 Diabetes control glucose levels. In Australia these tablets are marketed under several trade names.
Most recently the TGA has updated the status in availability for a number of products to now having “limited availability.”
Most places around Australia have received shipment however many places in Victoria are still coping with shortages.
Areas in regional Victoria are concerned for their patients as the irregular stock is a constant issue.
Shepparton Pharmacist Laura Grasso says the shortage “significantly impacts the patient’s management of a chronic disease.”
“It is difficult because Metformin is a first line treatment therapy for newly diagnosed patients with diabetes.”
“In Shepparton there is a large demand for Metformin XR and people have been upset about the unavailability of it,” Ms Grasso said.
The community pharmacy received no explanation for the shortage and after contacting the overseas manufacturing companies were told there were issues with the stock.
Ms Grasso was told the manufacturing companies have enabled manufacturing to occur onshore in Brisbane and are now ready for distribution.
The shortage coincides with record high numbers of diabetic diagnosis made in Australia in 2015. More than 100,000 Australians developed diabetes in the past year. Approximately 1.7 million Australians have diabetes, with 280 Australians being diagnosed every day.
TGA has advised patients in need of Metformin extended release tablets should contact their GP for a review on possible alternatives and closely monitor their blood glucose levels.
For more details the table below or visit the TGA website.
