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Read Questions and Answers page for more information on the antibiotics shortage:
About the antibiotics shortage 2022-2023
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is aware of current shortages of some antibiotics in Australia, including amoxicillin, cefalexin and metronidazole. We recognise the importance of antibiotics in treating patients and are facilitating supply of alternative medicines as a priority.
Most of the shortages are caused by manufacturing issues or an unexpected increase in demand.
We publish up-to-date information on these shortages, including predicted return to supply dates, in our medicine shortage reports database. You can sort the database by clicking on 'Therapeutic class' and scrolling down to 'General anti-infectives for systemic use' to see the list of antibiotics currently in shortage.
Collection content
- Medicine shortage alertsAntibiotics shortage update and new guidance for health professionalsWe have updated the information about these shortages with new details about affected products and a link to an additional resource for health professionals.
- Medicine shortage alertsAntibiotics shortage update and substitution allowed to address shortage of cefaclorWe continue to monitor antibiotic medicines in shortage and are seeking and prioritising applications for overseas alternatives to assist with supply.
- Medicine shortage alertsSubstitution allowed to address shortage of phenoxymethylpenicillinTo help manage the shortage of the antibiotic phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V), we have made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI).
- Medicine shortage alertsAntibiotics shortagesInformation about the shortage of some antibiotics, including amoxicillin and metronidazole medicines
- NewsAntibiotics shortage in AustraliaCurrent antibiotics shortages in Australia include amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefalexin, metronidazole and trimethoprim.
- Medicine shortage alertsNationwide shortage of certain antibiotics - updateThe shortages list of antibiotics has been updated.
- Medicine shortage alertsSubstitution allowed to address shortage of cefalexinTo assist with timely access for patients using cefalexin, the TGA has made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI).
- Medicine shortage alertsSubstitution allowed to address shortage of amoxicillinTo assist with timely access for patients using amoxicillin, the TGA has made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI).