SHORTAGES of multiple brands of sertraline 50mg and 100mg tablets are set to continue "until at least late Feb and potentially until Apr", the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warns.
In a statement released yesterday, the TGA told pharmacists to "use your professional and clinical judgement to determine whether a patient is suitable for substitution under the Serious Shortage Substitution Notice (SSSN)".
For patients deemed suitable for and who consent to substitution, pharmacists have be told to, "counsel them thoroughly, including about how to cut unscored 100mg tablets for a 50mg dose", "advise them to monitor for any side effects and to contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately if they have any concerns", and "recommend that they discuss alternative treatment options with their doctor where appropriate".
The TGA has issued Section 19A approvals for the importation and supply unregistered product - Sertraline 100mg tablets, USP (Cipla) and Sertraline 50mg tablets, USP (Cipla) to Medsurge Healthcare Pty Ltd - until 30 Jun to address the supply shortages.
However, the TGA may lapse the approval prior to that date if it becomes evident that normal supplies of registered sertraline products become available to meet demand in Australia.
Pharmacists have also been reminded that the SSSN must be given effect under state or territory law before they are permitted to supply according to the specified substitution.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Feb 21
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