Attention – Supply shortage of ethambutol in Germany
Last week, a supply shortage of the drug Ethambutol (EMB) in 400 mg and 500 mg dosages affected patient care. Pharmacies are currently unable to order these preparations.
Some stocks of the 100 mg dosage are still available. However, therapy with this tablet form would mean taking an unacceptable number of tablets. For example, a person weighing 70 kg would have to take 17 tablets daily instead of 9 for the first two months of standard therapy. This massively increases the already high tablet burden for patients and is expected to lead to further supply shortages soon.
Since there is currently only one manufacturer of ethambutol in Germany, there are no alternative options available on the domestic market. Options for international import are currently being explored.
Background: EMB is an integral part of the standard therapy (alongside isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide), which has been established since the 1970s. It is used during the two-month initial phase (intensive phase) before the regimen is reduced to isoniazid and rifampicin in the continuation phase. The initial four-drug regimen is primarily intended to prevent resistance. Due to the increased risk of resistance, triple therapy in the initial phase is generally not recommended by German guidelines.
Further information can be found at:
S2k guidelines for Germany, Austria, Switzerland
