State running out of drug to treat mucormycosis

Many families, hospitals finding it difficult to source them

The supply of the anti-fungal drugs Liposomal Amphotericin B or Amphotericin B, which are vital for treating mucormycosis, is drying up in Tamil Nadu with many patients’ families and hospitals finding it difficult to source them. Mucormycosis, a serious fungal infection now predominantly affecting people post-COVID-19 with uncontrolled diabetes, has been on the rise in several parts of the country. With cases gradually increasing in Tamil Nadu as well, the demand for the drug has shot up. An ENT specialist from a leading private hospital in Chennai said that Liposomal Amphotericin B or, in its absence, Amphotericin B was the first line of drug for mucormycosis and there were no effective alternatives. “Though Tamil Nadu is not yet seeing as many cases compared to other States, the drug shortage is already being felt,” he said.