Antibiotics update
We are aware of current shortages of some antibiotics in Australia.
The information we published about these shortages has been updated with new details about affected products, links to additional resources for consumers and health professionals, and information about what to do if you can’t get your antibiotic. The metronidazole shortage has been resolved and the list of affected antibiotics has changed. You can read the update at About the antibiotics shortage 2022-2023.
We continue to monitor antibiotic medicines in shortage and are seeking and prioritising applications for overseas alternatives to assist with supply.
You can read about medicine shortages on our shortages page.
Substitution allowed to address shortage of cefaclor
To help minimise the impact of the cefaclor oral liquid shortage on patients and health professionals, we have made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI). Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Cefaclor) Instrument 2023. From 1 May 2023,
- declares both 125mg/5mL and 250mg/5mL cefaclor oral liquid strengths as scarce medicines
- declares as all cefaclor oral liquid strengths as substitutable medicines as per the substitution protocol provided in the table included in the SSSI.
This SSSI allows a pharmacist to provide another strength of cefaclor oral liquid when the prescribed medicine is unavailable, without prior approval from the prescriber.
For detailed information and to find out what you should do, for pharmacists, prescribers, and patients, go to About the shortage of cefaclor.
For more information about SSSIs see Substituting scarce medicines and Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs).