With pollen season just weeks away, an alert is causing concern among allergy sufferers. Bristol-Myers Squibb has informed healthcare professionals of significant supply shortages of Kenacort Retard 40 mg/1 ml, an injectable corticosteroid widely prescribed in France. According to information provided to the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), a production delay could lead to a complete shortage of the treatment by May 2026.
Since February, a rationing system has been in place in community pharmacies. The volumes distributed are intentionally limited to prevent a sudden depletion of stocks and to ensure that available doses are distributed across the country. The quantities currently on the market are intended to cover needs for approximately three months. If production does not resume, shortages are expected in community pharmacies sometime in May and in hospitals towards the end of the month. The manufacturer states that it is unable to provide a date for a return to normal supply.
Kenacort Retard is a long-acting steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. After injection, its effects last for several weeks. It is prescribed, in particular, for severe forms of seasonal allergic rhinitis when other treatments have failed. It is also used to treat certain significant dermatological conditions and rheumatological diseases such as inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis flare-ups.
Possible but not equivalent alternatives
If unavailable, several injectable corticosteroids can be considered, including betamethasone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone. These molecules belong to the same pharmacological class and have comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy. However, they do not all have the same potency or duration of action.
The unique characteristic of Kenacort Retard lies precisely in its prolonged effect. Therefore, replacing it may require adjusting the dosage or frequency of administration. Patients concerned are advised to discuss any therapeutic adjustments with their doctor in advance to avoid an abrupt interruption of treatment.
This tension arises as millions of French people prepare to face pollen season. For those suffering from severe allergic rhinitis, access to this type of corticosteroid can determine their quality of life in the spring. Production levels in the coming weeks will be crucial to avoiding a complete shortage as the allergy peak approaches.
