By Jessica Nix, Anna Edney & Ike Swetlitz

The antiviral treatment Tamiflu is in short supply in parts of the US, as patients and pharmacists battle one of the worst flu seasons in decades.

At least 10 people a day are coming in asking for Tamiflu at a Walgreens store outside of Macon, Georgia, and hospitals are also asking if it's available.

The antiviral medication is considered in shortage, but the scale is still being determined, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

The antiviral treatment Tamiflu is in short supply in parts of the US, as patients and pharmacists battle one of the worst flu seasons in decades.

A Walgreens store outside of Macon, Georgia, has experienced shortages for weeks – especially for the capsule version of the flu treatment. Normally, the pharmacy can receive supply overnight, but now it’s taking two to three days, according to one of the store’s pharmacists.

At least 10 people a day are coming in asking for Tamiflu, said the pharmacist, who wasn’t authorized to speak to the media. A few miles away, the independent Bonaire Pharmacy is fielding calls from doctors and patients who can’t find the medication at the local chains. Georgia is currently experiencing a “very high” level of influenza activity, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Hospitals are also asking if we have it,” Bonaire pharmacist Parth Patel said.

Tamiflu is a common prescription flu treatment originated by Roche Holding AG and now sold as a generic. When taken within 48 hours, it can reduce the worst flu symptoms, prevent infection after exposure and protect high-risk individuals from complications. Skipping or even delaying doses can weaken the chance of a good health outcome for vulnerable people.

The antiviral medication is considered in shortage but the scale is still being determined, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, which keeps track of drug supply. Scarcity is currently reported in certain areas with very high flu activity while pharmacists in others such as Utah — where flu activity is lower — say they’re not seeing supply issues yet.

Inventory is likely to dwindle further, said Michael Ganio, senior director of pharmacy practice and quality at ASHP, which represents about 60,000 pharmacists. It’s “only a matter of time” until the shortage spreads given the severe flu strain currently circulating, Ganio said.

More than 11 million people have been infected with the flu in the US this season, with 46 states reporting a high to very high level of virus activity as of Dec. 27, according to the CDC. Hospitalizations are rising too, with the CDC reporting 120,000 people admitted to a hospital and at least 5,000 deaths.

The Food and Drug Administration has strict criteria for labeling a shortage, meaning it typically trails behind the ASHP’s system even if people are having difficulty finding a drug. The “FDA is not aware of any Tamiflu supply issues at this time, and firms know to reach out to us if anything changes,” an agency spokesperson said.

A Walgreens spokesperson said the company in general is “seeing high demand, but it is in stock.” A spokesperson for CVS said the chain is seeing increased demand for the medication, but no widespread shortages.

Clade K

The rise in cases is primarily driven by a mutation in the common flu strain H3N2, called clade K. The variant is able to evade a prior flu infection and isn’t well matched to the vaccine. Plus, only 43% of the US is vaccinated against the flu so far – creating the conditions for a bad flu season.

Tamiflu comes in two forms: liquid or a capsule. Liquid Tamiflu is one of two flu treatments approved for children under 5, an age group that is particularly vulnerable to the virus. The capsules can be broken open so the contents can be added to liquid if needed.

Roche subsidiary Genentech pulled two versions of its capsules from the market in July and September due to competition from generic versions onto the market. The company added a product finder to its website for a newer and more expensive antiviral Xofluza to help patients when a local pharmacy is experiencing a shortage.

Venkatesh Srinivasan, chief executive of Novadoz Pharmaceuticals, said the generics manufacturer has seen increased demand in recent weeks. The company currently has adequate supply for its usual customers, he said, but would need at least three to four weeks to ramp up production capabilities for others.