As Taiwan battles a COVID-19 surge, health authorities are using a range of medicines to treat the disease. One such medication is NRICM101, a traditional Chinese herbal mixture that’s said to be effective against COVID-19. It’s now in short supply. Itamar Waksman has the latest.
This small packet of medicine, known as NRICM101, is a Chinese medicine treatment for COVID patients with moderate symptoms. But a recent shortage has caused its price to jump to NT$5,000 on the black market.
Dr. Chou Yen-jung says that because of the shortage, many patients are paying high prices for the medicine through unofficial channels.
He says this is very risky, because people aren’t getting the medicine through a proper doctor.
As cases continue to rise, it’s clear that supply is not meeting demand. Currently, eight pharmaceutical companies can produce 37,000 doses of the treatment a month.
Experts estimate that it will take two weeks for supplies to catch up with demand. In the meantime, doctors are discussing how to manage the shortage.
Some medical professionals say that though there is no other prescription similar to the treatment, not all patients may need it.
Dr. Chen Chao-tsung says that doctors will prescribe the treatment according to patients’ physical condition and symptoms.
Doctors say that though the treatment is available at pharmacies, it’s best to get it prescribed by a doctor who can adjust dosing and observe changes throughout the treatment period.