Influenza season: antiviral supply and ordering

Advisory Alert

January 14, 2015

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For all reporting, inquiries or comments, please contact:
Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705.522.9200, ext. 301.

This influenza season has resulted in an increased demand for antivirals across Ontario. On January 9th Roche Canada announced a potential temporary shortage of the drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) as a result of significantly higher demand than normal. This shortage is expected to be short-term. Roche Canada is prioritizing oseltamivir orders from hospitals and residential care facilities experiencing influenza outbreaks.
With increasing influenza activity in the Sudbury & District Health Unit catchment area, which includes the City of Greater Sudbury and the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin, it is important for local pharmacies and facilities such as hospitals to take a proactive approach with regard to anticipated antiviral supply needs and availability by:

• Being aware of local influenza activity.
• Being prepared for increased need and order sufficient stock in time based on estimated needs.
• Being open to sharing antiviral supplies with other pharmacies in need.
• Contacting Roche Pharmaceuticals directly for urgent orders.

For influenza outbreak management, in situations where antivirals are not available from local pharmacies or Roche please contact the Sudbury & District Health Unit directly to discuss access to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Public Health Division antiviral stockpile. Please ensure you have calculated the number of doses required. Delivery of antivirals will be accommodated as quickly as possible based on urgency and availability of supplies.

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This item was last modified on September 9, 2016