Thousands of cancer patients are being forced to spend their days sitting in medical waiting rooms trying to source alternative pain relief because of a critical nationwide shortage of major drug Targin.
Thousands of cancer patients are being forced to spend their final days sitting in medical waiting rooms trying to source alternative pain relief because of a critical nationwide shortage of a major drug.The TGA hopes supply issues will be rectified by the end of MayTargin is a slow-release oxycodone and naloxone combination often prescribed to cancer patients in the palliative stages and chronic pain sufferers to reduce severe pain.
"They were looking at me saying, 'We've got no idea when we are going to get the supply back and we can't tell you where you could get any'," she said. "It's a scary trip the cancer trip at the best of times, and to not be able to get the basic things to fight it, to feel like a better person, not having a supply, it's just not right," she said.Dr Abhishek Joshi is a medical oncologist at Townsville ICON Cancer Care and Townsville University Hospital.
"Patients might now have to undergo a period ranging from days to weeks in which their pain levels might actually fluctuate and start affecting their lifestyle."The TGA has indicated Targin shortages should be rectified by the end of May. The Therapeutic Goods Association said it was hoping supplies would be replenished in April, but that had already been delayed to the end of May.
"We are in close contact with shipping and air carriers to ensure freight prioritisation for these critical medicines."Cate Whalen said it had been very distressing for customers at her chemist."All strengths of Targin are affected.
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