Keep colleagues informed about drug shortages
The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) lists drugs that are currently in short supply on the Food and Drug Administration Web site. The information may help pharmacists pacify doctors and patients who can’t understand why they can’t get the drug they need, in the formulation they need. The following is the drug shortage listing as of the end of January.
• Fentanyl (Taylor/Akorn, Abbott, ESI Lederle):
- due to unexpected increase in demand for product;
- all three manufacturers report back orders; projected availability will be posted as soon as possible.
• Isuprel and Isoproterenol Injection (Abbott):
- due to manufacturing difficulties;
- contact Abbott customer support line at (800) Abbott3 for an emergency supply of the product.
• Mesantoin (mephenytoin) (Novartis Pharmaceuticals):
- due to discontinued manufacturing;
- drug is currently distributed by Novartis under a transition program; a small quantity may be obtained for use in transitioning patients to other anticonvulsants.
• Quinidine Gluconate (Eli Lilly, available through CDC Malaria Hotline):
- see link for additional information.
• Romazicon (flumazenil) (Roche Pharmaceuticals):
- due to manufacturing difficulties:
- Roche reports that Romazicon is available in 5 mL vials without back order; release date for 10 mL vials is unknown.
Products with limited distribution and those whose shortage has been resolved appear in separate lists on the following Web site: www.fda.gov/cder/drug/shortages/default.htm. To report a drug shortage, health professionals and patients may contact CDER Drug Information at (888) INFOFDA or (888) 463-6332.
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