PHARMACISTS and GPs are being urged to advise patients using tocilizumab (Actemra) to contact their rheumatologist, with supply shortages expected to continue until Jan 2022.
An update released by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said the regulator was working with manufacturer, Roche, to manage the shortage and minimise the impact on patients in Australia.
Reporting tocilizumab supply shortages last month (PD 21 Jul), the TGA said hospitals treating patients with COVID-19 would be given priority access when supplies of the medication are being distributed in Australia.
The TGA has noted that prescribers should delay starting new patients on it.
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