‘Out of stock’: Australian chemists battle severe shortage of medicine used to treat RSV and asthma
Exclusive: Australians battling asthma, bronchitis or a respiratory illness are struggling to get their hands on a popular prescription medication, with a global supply crunch predicted to last for years.
Ventolin nebules, also known as salbutamol sulfate, is used to treat acute breathing difficulties and is severe short supply due to an “unexpected increase in demand”, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
One Sydney mother was turned away from five pharmacies while trying to find ventolin nebules. Getty
Do you have a story? Contact reporter April Glover at april.glover@nine.com.au
The shortage is expected to last until at least 2028.
There have already been over 93,000 confirmed cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), 56,000 cases of influenza and 54,126 cases of COVID-19 this winter alone – and now Australian patients with prescriptions are being turned away at pharmacies.
One Sydney mother told nine.com.au that five different chemists were out of stock after her family member was prescribed salbutamol to treat RSV.
“After we visited two pharmacies and were told they were out of stock, I decided to get on the phone and call a number in a different area of Sydney,” she said.
“It took three calls before I found one that had them available.
“It was a surprise because I hadn’t heard there would be any difficulties in getting this medicine, but quickly realised there was.”
There has been limited availability of ventolin nebules in Australia since December, however doctors are still prescribing it to patients with respiratory issues.
Electron micrograph of human RSV virions, depicted in blue. National Institutes of Health
Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Respiratory Medicine Dr Kerry Hancock told nine.com.au that GPs can recommend other forms of salbutamol if a prescription cannot be fulfilled.
“Given the shortage, which the TGA has said it expects to last until late 2028, patients using nebulised salbutamol should discuss transitioning to ‘puffer and spacer’ with their GP, or their pharmacist,” Hancock said.
“Without a spacer, up to three-quarters of the medicine never reaches your lungs where it’s needed, but gets stuck in your throat and mouth instead.
“Your GP can show you how to use a spacer, and Asthma Australia has a guide, too.”
RACGP’s chair of child and young person’s health Dr Tim Jones said young children suffering from RSV are unlikely to be impacted by the shortage.
Only some children respond to asthma treatments like ventolin, he explained.
“But the majority won’t, so a shortage of nebules is not a sign that kids are at risk,” Jones added.
Nearly 2.8 million Australians are living with asthma. iStock
Vencolin nebules is also used to provide relief to asthma patients experiencing bronchospasm, which is the tightening of muscles that line the airways, causing coughing and wheezing.
One in nine Australians, nearly 2.8 million, are living with asthma.
Asthma Australia chief executive Kate Miranda said asthma sufferers who cannot get their hands on the medicine should consult their GP.
“If you are unable to access your usual medication, speak to your doctor about suitable alternatives or contact Asthma Australia’s Asthma Educators on 1800 ASTHMA for free, personalised support,” she said.
“Medicine shortages can be concerning but with the right advice people can continue to manage their asthma safely and confidently.”
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