Tamiflu Oral Suspension Shortage Information

Roche reported 12/2/09 they have begun shipping additional quantities of Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate) oral suspension (liquid). Tamiflu is available in 75 mg capsules for adults, 30 mg and 45 mg capsules for children or oral suspension (liquid) for children or people who have difficulty swallowing capsules. Roche continues to make all forms of Tamiflu, and increasing quantities of Tamiflu oral suspension will become available through the beginning of 2010. FDA would like to remind healthcare providers and pharmacists of the FDA-approved instructions for the emergency compounding of an oral suspension from Tamiflu 75 mg capsules. These instructions provide for an alternative oral suspension when commercially manufactured oral suspension formulation is not readily available. 

The instructions can be found in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section of the Tamiflu package insert under a subheader titled: Emergency Compounding of an Oral Suspension from TAMIFLU Capsules (Final Concentration 15 mg/mL) - (PDF - 232KB). 

Please also see Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) for additional information.

Tamiflu package insert: Tamiflu Label (PDF - 1097KB)

Please note that Ora-Sweet SF sugar free oral syrup (Paddock Laboratories) and Cherry Syrup (Humco) may be experiencing increased demand in some locations if there is increased use in emergency compounding of an oral suspension from Tamiflu capsules (final concentration 15mg/ml) when commercially manufactured Tamiflu oral suspension (12mg/ml) is not available. Please see the Tamiflu Product labeling (link above) for information about emergency compounding of an oral suspension (15mg/ml) when commercially manufactured Tamiflu oral suspension (12mg/ml) is not available.

Paddock reports they have increased production of Ora-Sweet SF and they are releasing new production daily to customers.

Humco reports they have increased production of Cherry Syrup and they are releasing new production weekly to wholesalers. If pharmacies are having difficulty obtaining Humco Cherry Syrup, they may contact Humco directly to locate supplies at 1-800-662-3435.