Lack of anti-inflammatory drugs as COVID-19 increases demand

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WBRC) – Manufacturers of an arthritis drug that was approved by the FDA a few months ago to combat COVID-19-related inflammatory symptoms issued a warning that the drug is in short supply. .

Actemra is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In June 2021, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization to use Actemra to treat hospitalized adults and pediatric patients in need of supplemental oxygen, ventilation, or ECMO.

As COVID-19 hospitalizations soar in Alabama, nationwide and around the world, drug maker Genoche de Roche warns it will be a struggle to keep up with the sudden unprecedented demand.

“The dramatic emergence of the COVID-19 delta variant, as well as the desperate slowdown in vaccination rates in the United States, has led to an overwhelmingly high incidence of COVID-19 hospitalizations in certain areas of the country. This new wave of pandemic has caused Genentech to experience unprecedented demand for Actemra IV: well over 400% of pre-COVID levels in just the past two weeks and continues to rise, “the pharmaceutical company said in a statement released earlier this week. week.

“We are experiencing a temporary depletion of Actemra IV in the US for 200 mg and 400 mg SKUs as of Monday, August 16th and we have notified our customers. We currently have a scarce supply of 80 mg SKUs and we anticipate l “Exhaustion over the weekend,” the statement continued.

The infectious disease expert at St. Vincent, Dr. Leland Allen, says the shortage does affect them and notes that people who are prescribed the drug for daily use will also be affected.

“It simply came to our notice then [Actemra}. All the patients that were on that drug for their auto immune diseases are having trouble with it also. So it’s really gotten to be a problem,” said Dr. Leland.

If you have questions about how this will impact your health, reach out to your doctor.

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