Shortage of paromomycin capsules

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of paromomycin capsules. People with intestinal amebiasis need this drug to prevent the growth of the amebas in their intestines. Also, people with a serious liver disease that prevents the liver from keeping ammonia out of the blood need this drug plus a special diet in order to avoid hepatic encephalopathy. This disease is caused by the effect of high blood ammonia levels on the brain. In this case paromomycin kills certain bacteria in the intestines that produce ammonia. Heritage Pharmaceuticals of Edison, NJ is the sole supplier of these capsules, and could give no reason for the shortage.