Pharmacies Report Increased Demand For Tamiflu

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa area pharmacies say H1N1 concerns have fueled an increased demand for Tamiflu. The drug has proven to be an effective treatment for this strain of flu, but some parents are having a hard time getting their hands on it.

There are still doses out there and officials say there are more on the way. Still, you may have to be persistent if you want Tamiflu.

Like scores of kids in Green Country, four-year-old Abigail Webb was suddenly sidelined with H1N1.

"She was up at church last night playing with all her friends, and all of a sudden two hours later, she's burning with a fever and all of a sudden was sick," said Kristie Webb, Abigail's mother.

Abigail's doctor recommended Tamiflu, but her parents said filling the prescription was easier said than done. When they did find a pharmacy that had it in stock, the medication came with a hefty price tag.

"Her child dose alone was $96 and our insurance only covered $16 of it, so $76 is a lot," said Kristie Webb.

"This year has been one of the busiest years I've had for Tamiflu," said Lindy Rowland, Getman Apothecary Shoppe.

At Getman Apothecary Shoppe, Tamiflu has been flying off the shelves, but more is on the way.

The CDC says demand has been particularly high for the liquid form of the drug, usually taken by children.

In order to meet that demand, the agency last week released its Tamiflu stockpile, more than 234,000 doses.

Getman's reports that will help and employees are confident they'll make it through flu season.

"We should be in pretty good shape. We haven't run out yet," said Lindy Rowland.

While it was a trying and expensive ordeal for the Webb family, they say securing Tamiflu for Abigail was worth the hassle.

"You're hearing so many stories about all these children that are sick and dying and in the hospital, and I don't want that to be my child," said Kristie Webb.

The Tulsa County Social Services Pharmacy has some free doses of Tamiflu for those who can't afford it.  But patients still must have a prescription in order to get Tamiflu.

It's located on Charles Page Boulevard. For more information, you can call 596-5560.

11/3/2009  Related Story: Cooper Elementary Students Get Vaccinated Against H1N1