Publix pharmacies to compound Tamiflu

LAKELAND, Fla. Publix on Thursday announced that all 795 Publix pharmacies will offer to compound the antiviral Tamiflu into an oral suspension, given the current shortage of Tamiflu in liquid form.

Tamiflu, a drug often prescribed to treat flu-like symptoms, is typically available in two forms - capsule or liquid form. The liquid form is generally prescribed to children and adults unable to swallow the capsule form.

“Due to a heavy flu season and heightened awareness of flu-like symptoms, liquid Tamiflu is in short supply,” stated Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. “The ability to compound Tamiflu for our pharmacy customers is just one example of our continued commitment to the health and wellness of the entire family this flu season. We remind our customers that the best defense of the flu is to plan ahead and have a flu vaccine administered at your local Publix Pharmacy.”There is no additional charge to compound Tamiflu and currently there is an ample supply of the capsule form needed to formulate the oral suspension.

Walgreens made a similar announcement Sept. 24.