Many of Gauteng’s patients living with HIV are going without a life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) as the province suffers a shortage of the ARV lamivudine.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng MEC Shadow for Health Jack Bloom said, “I am concerned by the shortage of the Lamivudine HIV/Aids treatment drug in Gauteng.”
According to the Gauteng Health Department, the drug is only available in a 150 gram dosage, instead of the usual 300 grams.
“Whilst this should not be a real crisis as a double dose can be taken, there have been cases, especially in the East Rand, where patients have been told that the drug is simply not available.
“This is inexcusable as any interruption in treatment can lead to dangerous drug resistance.
“The department needs to tighten up on its drug orders and its communication with clinics and hospitals,” Bloom said.
Gauteng Department of Health Spokesperson Steve Mabona has confirmed a shortage of 300mg tablets of the drug but says smaller dose formulations of the drug are available.
“We wish to confirm that, there is a shortage of lamivudine 300mg, however, we do have lamivudine 150mg tablets in stock,” said Mabona.
He urged health professionals to consider dispensing a double dose of the smaller, 150mg-formulation in lieu of the usual 300mg tablets.
Mabona said the shortage of higher dose tablets is being addressed.
He blamed the fact that some patients were being turned away empty handed from clinics on a miscommunication between district pharmacies and clinics.
