Patients who rely on a type of painkiller that was discontinued in Australia have been given fresh hope after a new supplier was found.
As reported by 9news.com.au Ordine is a type of liquid morphine that a drug company that supplied it decided not to make anymore because it was “not commercially viable”.
Melbourne woman Anna McKay has been taking the drug for more than ten years for the pain from Cauda Equina Syndrome, which is caused by a compression of a bundle of spinal nerves.
She feared what her life would be like if she was unable to get the drug.
Ordine is also given to people dying of cancer and suffering from other life-limiting conditions, including children, to ease pain and breathing problems.
Jodi Adams’ little girl Cosette was given the drug just before she died aged just five.
Her mother, 48, from Croydon, NSW said administering the drug, which had been discussed in advance with doctors, allowed her daughter to pass away without suffering.
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The Australian Government has just announced an update about fresh supplies.
Another company has taken over the making of the drug and it will soon be available to patients, it said.
“Arrotex Pharmaceuticals has announced that it is taking over the sponsorship of the Ordine (morphine) oral liquid products,” the government said.
“The shortage of these products will continue in the short-term, and Arrotex is anticipating a return to normal supply later this year.”
Palliative care advocates had called on the government to find another supplier, plus remove red tape so patients could afford access.
They said while the update was “good news” a similar situation was unfolding concerning other drugs.
He called for drug firms to be forced to give more than six months’ notice over discontinuations.
“We are now facing more discontinuations with three other pain-relieving drugs commonly used by palliative patients and palliative care clinicians expected to be unavailable over the next year or so,” Josh Fear, National Policy Director at Palliative Care Australia said.
“These repeated announcements make us worried about patient access to these critical medicines as global supply chains change and pharmaceutical companies make commercial decisions that may or may not ensure continuity in supply.
“We could also think about making some of these drugs locally.
“Australia is the second largest producer globally of the raw materials for morphine, so making these drugs here could make economic sense.”
