In tension, antibiotics for whooping cough under reinforced monitoring for the winter

In tension, antibiotics for whooping cough under reinforced monitoring for the winter
In tension, antibiotics for whooping cough under reinforced monitoring for the winter

“We are facing a whooping cough epidemic with very high consumption of this class of antibiotics, hence the importance of being able to have fairly reinforced monitoring of these molecules,” declared Pierre-Olivier Farenq, director of the center of ANSM crisis, during a press briefing on the 2024-2025 winter plan.

The agency noted “an increase in prescriptions by doctors and therefore in dispensations in pharmacies, of the antibiotic which is first line in the treatment of whooping cough”, from the macrolide class.

A whooping cough epidemic has been underway across the country since the summer.

Tensions have “focused on pediatric forms” of macrolides, but “today, we also see tensions on adult forms” due to this “atypical and significant consumption, which is long-term”, adds Mr. Farenq.

“A certain number of measures are being discussed”, according to him, to limit the impact of these tensions, such as recommendations for good prescription, good use, prevention, the use of masterful preparations, import and quota.

The ANSM has already asked laboratories to “prioritize the supply of pharmacies by wholesale distributors in order to ensure a fair distribution of available boxes”.

For the upcoming winter season, the agency is maintaining reinforced monitoring of antibiotics including amoxicillin, paracetamol in its pediatric form, corticosteroids and medications against asthma, flagship products which have experienced strong drug tensions. supply over the past few winters.

The winter plan, launched by the medicine policeman for the first time in 2023-2024, aims to anticipate and limit tensions in the supply of health products during the winter season, which is generally more conducive to the circulation of viruses.

Despite a winter epidemiological season which was “more favorable and less early” last year compared to the winter of 2022-2023, still experienced tensions which “focused on antibiotics”, recalls the ANSM.

Copyright © AFP : “All rights of reproduction and representation reserved”. © Agence France-Presse 2024

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