Tamiflu Supply Gets Bump Across Canada

More Tamiflu Released to Help Hardest Hit by Flu

With Canada experiencing its worst flu season in years, its Public Health Agency reports that it is releasing an emergency supply of Tamiflu to doctors to help them treat those who have been most severely impacted by the virus.

According to CTV News, many doctors in the country had previously complained that supplies of Tamiflu, an antiviral medication which is most often used to treat the most severe flu cases, have been running dangerously low.

Luckily, The Public Health Agency of Canada has aan emergency stockpile system of the life-saving drug which it is now releasing to the manufacturer, Roche Canada, for proper distribution to healthcare facilities and doctors nationwide.

A new shipment of the drug from Roche Canada had been anticipated to happen sometime in February, but that might prove to be too late for those already impacted by severe flu symptoms which can often result in fatalities. Supplies of Tamiflu are especially needed to treat those most vulnerable, including the elderly and young childen.

In a statement, Roche Canada said the “unexpectedly severe” flu season has led to “greater than normal demand” for Tamiflu.

The company said it ordered additional units of the antiviral medication as soon as early reports showed an increase in flu cases last month. It said it’s “actively working to address the needs of priority patient populations, specifically hospitals and nursing homes with a confirmed outbreak.”

“This exceptional action will be taken to ensure Tamiflu remains available to those Canadians who need it until the manufacturer replenishes its supply with a new shipment expected in February,” PHAC said in a news release.