Potemkin
04-29-2009, 08:58 AM
http://www.valleycentral.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=293160
Harlingen is near Brownsville close to the border with Mexico
Tamiflu disappearing off pharmacy shelves amid swine flu scare
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By Marcy Martinez
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 10:08 p.m.
HARLINGEN -- Concerned viewers are calling the Action 4 Listens Line saying they can't find Tamiflu anywhere.
The prescription-only capsule is a hot commodity right now so Action 4 News visited a Harlingen pharmacy to see if the swine flu has made a dent in their stock.
With the focus on preventing the spread of Swine Flu, certain items at local pharmacies are selling out.
Robert Muńiz of Acosta Muńiz Rio Grande Pharmacy in Harlingen says, "We're out of masks, we're out of Tamiflu."
Masks are flying off the shelves and the prescription only Tamiflu is becoming more and more scarce.
In fact, all 20 doses he had this weekend are gone.
"Saturday we ordered 10," Muńiz said. "We called the wholesaler and there were 100 in stock, but Monday morning when the news broke, they had zero in stock. Now they're rationing the amount of Tamiflu we can order."
Wholesalers are apparently only allowing pharmacies to order 12 doses of Tamiflu a month, but with demand at an all time high, Muniz is looking to the manufacturer to replenish his supply this week.
He reminds his customers that Tamiflu is prescribed by a doctor once you show flu-like symptoms; it should not be sought out for preventative measures.
"You don't want to take it now to prevent it. If you don't have the symptoms, it's not gonna help you. Plus, it's a little expensive if you don't have insurance."
It'll cost 80 dollars without insurance, but Muniz says there are alternatives for those who are not diagnosed with the Swine Flu, but want to stay safe.
He recommends the natural flu remedy Oscillococcinum, better known as Oscillo, and says not many people have come in looking for it.
Airborne for Kids, Muniz says, is also a way to keep kids healthy during this time without paying too much.
He's also ordering more disinfectant sprays and antibacterial soaps for customers.
Another cheap alternative is a face mask which Rio Grande Pharmacy can't seem to keep in stock.
"The virus is so small it probably is 60 to 70 percent effective, but it's better than nothing I suppose."
Rio Grande Pharmacy is getting new shipments of Tamiflu, Oscillococcinum and masks tomorrow and Thursday.
You can get a 2 dollar coupon for Oscillo at www.oscillo.com. Check with your health-food stores and pharmacy as to whether they accept it.
Harlingen is near Brownsville close to the border with Mexico
Tamiflu disappearing off pharmacy shelves amid swine flu scare
News
StoriesVideo
LATEST
Local/State Headlines
Photo
By Marcy Martinez
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 10:08 p.m.
HARLINGEN -- Concerned viewers are calling the Action 4 Listens Line saying they can't find Tamiflu anywhere.
The prescription-only capsule is a hot commodity right now so Action 4 News visited a Harlingen pharmacy to see if the swine flu has made a dent in their stock.
With the focus on preventing the spread of Swine Flu, certain items at local pharmacies are selling out.
Robert Muńiz of Acosta Muńiz Rio Grande Pharmacy in Harlingen says, "We're out of masks, we're out of Tamiflu."
Masks are flying off the shelves and the prescription only Tamiflu is becoming more and more scarce.
In fact, all 20 doses he had this weekend are gone.
"Saturday we ordered 10," Muńiz said. "We called the wholesaler and there were 100 in stock, but Monday morning when the news broke, they had zero in stock. Now they're rationing the amount of Tamiflu we can order."
Wholesalers are apparently only allowing pharmacies to order 12 doses of Tamiflu a month, but with demand at an all time high, Muniz is looking to the manufacturer to replenish his supply this week.
He reminds his customers that Tamiflu is prescribed by a doctor once you show flu-like symptoms; it should not be sought out for preventative measures.
"You don't want to take it now to prevent it. If you don't have the symptoms, it's not gonna help you. Plus, it's a little expensive if you don't have insurance."
It'll cost 80 dollars without insurance, but Muniz says there are alternatives for those who are not diagnosed with the Swine Flu, but want to stay safe.
He recommends the natural flu remedy Oscillococcinum, better known as Oscillo, and says not many people have come in looking for it.
Airborne for Kids, Muniz says, is also a way to keep kids healthy during this time without paying too much.
He's also ordering more disinfectant sprays and antibacterial soaps for customers.
Another cheap alternative is a face mask which Rio Grande Pharmacy can't seem to keep in stock.
"The virus is so small it probably is 60 to 70 percent effective, but it's better than nothing I suppose."
Rio Grande Pharmacy is getting new shipments of Tamiflu, Oscillococcinum and masks tomorrow and Thursday.
You can get a 2 dollar coupon for Oscillo at www.oscillo.com. Check with your health-food stores and pharmacy as to whether they accept it.