« We are facing an epidemic of whooping cough, leading to very high consumption of this class of antibiotics. It is therefore crucial to ensure reinforced monitoring of these molecules », declared Pierre-Olivier Farenq, director of the ANSM crisis center, during a press briefing on the 2024-2025 winter plan.
The agency observed “ an increase in prescriptions by doctors, and therefore dispensations in pharmacies, of the antibiotic which is first line in the treatment of whooping cough », mainly macrolides.
A national epidemic underway since last summer
A whooping cough epidemic has been raging across the country since the summer. Tensions focus “on pediatric forms” of macrolides, but “ today we also see tensions on adult forms » because of this “ atypical and significant consumption, which takes place over time », adds Mr. Farenq.
« Several measures are under discussion » to mitigate the impact of these tensions, including recommendations for proper prescription and use, as well as the use of compounding, imports and quotas.
The ANSM has already asked laboratories to “ favor the supply of pharmacies by wholesalers-distributors in order to ensure equitable distribution of available boxes ».
Reinforced monitoring of amoxicillin and paracetamol
For the coming winter season, the agency is maintaining reinforced monitoring of antibiotics such as amoxicillin, paracetamol in pediatric form, corticosteroids and asthma medications, all of which have experienced significant supply tensions during of recent winters.
The winter plan, put in place by the ANSM for the first time in 2023-2024, aims to anticipate and limit supply tensions for health products during this period, which is generally more favorable to the circulation of viruses.
Although the previous winter epidemiological season was “ more favorable and less early” compared to winter 2022/2023, France still recorded tensions, which “focused on antibiotics », recalls the ANSM.
