The federal government has opened up its stockpile of an influenza antiviral drug in an effort to help clinicians cope with surging demand during a flu season that is straining health systems.
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), announced Wednesday that United States jurisdictions now have more access to oseltamivir (Tamiflu), including doses from the Strategic National Stockpile. The move comes after the agency last week extended states the flexibility to use millions of doses stored in state stockpiles and typically reserved for flu pandemics.
Flu activity started early in the season and remains high, although it seems to be declining in some areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest report. The agency has meanwhile received “numerous anecdotal reports of availability issues for generic oseltamivir,” and cautioned that these shortages may continue in some areas of high flu prevalence.
“Today we are taking action so that every jurisdiction can meet the increased demand for Tamiflu this flu season,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “State stockpiles can be utilized, and if jurisdictions need access to the Strategic National Stockpile, they now have it to respond to the current seasonal flu outbreak.”
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a health advisory with interim guidance for clinicians on prioritizing oseltamivir (generic or Tamiflu) during this period of reduced availability.
When availability of oseltamivir or other antivirals is limited, antiviral treatment should be given to flu patients at the highest risk of severe disease, such as older adults, and those who are hospitalized, the CDC guidance states.
If oseltamivir is unavailable, outpatients at increased risk for complications who present with uncomplicated influenza can be treated with oral baloxavir, inhaled zanamivir, or intravenous peramivir, depending upon age and contraindications, the agency said.
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