HA suspends use of antibiotics following DH recall

The Hospital Authority (HA) has suspended the use of an antibiotic, which was manufactured in the UK, across all public hospitals and clinics.

Following guidance from the Department of Health, the HA has withdrawn the use of Augmentin powder for syrup (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline). It has announced that it will provide patients with a substitute antibiotic to ensure they continue to receive the appropriate treatment. It is thought that hundreds of patients may be affected.

Doctors have been advised not to stop treating patients who are already taking Augmentin as it could result in a gap in treatment. Instead, the HA will contact patients and ask them to return the drug to selected clinics, where they will be issued with a replacement.