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SALT LAKE CITY - The flu: it's a monster that's invaded far too many homes across the country and in Utah this season. Adding insult to injury - the medication to treat it has become frustratingly difficult to track down.
When you're sick, it's exhausting enough to get up, get dressed and drive to the doctor's office. But many Utahns have been forced to go from pharmacy to pharmacy in search of prescription Tamiflu.
Limited availability of the main medication for the flu has brought stress and frustration to countless people.
"All three of my kids have the flu, so I tried to get the Tamiflu prescription filled for them at a few different pharmacies," said Mabelline Gonzalez. "The pharmacies called around to see if their other pharmacies had it, and no one was able to find it for me."
- Stapely Pharmacy, 102 E City Center, St. George, Utah 435-673-3574
- Medicine Shop, 47 E 500 S in Bountiful, 801-295-3463
- Jolley's Pharmacy, 1676 E 1300 S in SLC, Utah 801-582-1999
- Jolley's Compounding Pharmacy 1702 South 1100 East, SLC 801-486-1528
- Jolley's Pharmacy, 8806 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan 801-571-0201
- North View Pharmacy, 2121 Robins Drive Layton 801-773-5666
Jolley's Compounding Pharmacy has come to the rescue for many patients.
"I finally called over to Jolley's Pharmacy, which just happens to be very convenient, across the street from work," said Gonzalez. "They were able to compound that for me so that I could get it for my kids same day and get them started on that."
"There is some supply, but it's being allocated to the pharmacies," said owner Dean Jolley.
Technicians at Jolley's have stayed busy processing ingredients - breaking open the Tamiflu tablets and turning them into liquid form. Many of the pharmacy's patients - children and the elderly - need it that way.
"Some need a customized dose and some just can't swallow a capsule. Either way, we put it into a liquid form and then it can be measured," said Jolley. "We can measure out the precise dose for the person."
Though it seems cruel, the flu season isn't close to being over. It lasts from September through March.
The good news is, Jolley's just received a new supply.
"It's not too late to get it, even though it's kind of late in the season," said Jolley. "It's still beneficial to get the shots."
Even if you don't have the flu, it's important to check with your insurance company to find out about preauthorization for Tamiflu.
