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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
- Change to supply of oral cefalexinMedicine shortage alertsRead about how the shortage of oral cefalexin medicines, that started in December 2022, no longer applies to capsules.
- Antibiotics shortage update and new guidance for health professionalsMedicine shortage alertsWe have updated the information about these shortages with new details about affected products and a link to an additional resource for health professionals.
- Antibiotics shortage update and substitution allowed to address shortage of cefaclorMedicine shortage alertsWe continue to monitor antibiotic medicines in shortage and are seeking and prioritising applications for overseas alternatives to assist with supply.
- Antibiotics shortagesMedicine shortage alertsInformation about the shortage of some antibiotics, including amoxicillin and metronidazole medicines
- Substitution allowed to address shortage of phenoxymethylpenicillinMedicine shortage alertsTo help manage the shortage of the antibiotic phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V), we have made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI).
- Antibiotics shortage in AustraliaNewsCurrent antibiotics shortages in Australia include amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefalexin, metronidazole and trimethoprim.
- Nationwide shortage of certain antibiotics - updateMedicine shortage alertsThe shortages list of antibiotics has been updated.
- Substitution allowed to address shortage of cefalexinMedicine shortage alertsTo assist with timely access for patients using cefalexin, the TGA has made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI).
- Substitution allowed to address shortage of amoxicillinMedicine shortage alertsTo assist with timely access for patients using amoxicillin, the TGA has made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI).