New And Updated Drug Shortages List 10/16/14

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published its new and updated Drug Shortages through 10/16/14. The federal agency publicizes recalls on its website as press releases are not issued for all shortages. View the recalls by New and Updated.

New Drug Shortages

• B. Braun Medical, Baxter, Hospira, and Fresenius have reported shortages of Dextrose Injection USP, 70 percent and Sodium Chloride 0.9 percent Injection Bags. The companies state that the shortage is due to increased demand. The intravenous solutions are used for pediatric and adult patients to restore calories and hydration.
• Mylan, Prometheus, Roxane, Salix, and Zydus report that Azathioprine tablets are currently in shortage due to an increase in customer demand and a short of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Azathioprine is an antimetabolite that prevents kidney transplant rejection and reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The companies are allocating product and expecting resupply by the end of the year.
• Bayer is experiencing a manufacturing delay for Radium RA-223 Dichloride (Xofigo) Injection, used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
• Baxter and Fresenius have a limited supply of Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions due to an increased demand for the product. They expect resupply in November.
• GE Healthcare is experiencing shipping delays of the Technetium Tc99m Succimer Kits to prepare the injection for diagnosis of renal parenchymal disorders.
• Janssen reports that chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte DSC) 500 mg caplets have been discontinued due to low market demand, but other versions of chlorzoxazone remain available.

Updated Drug Shortages

Methylphenidate Hydrochloride (Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin, and Equasym) supplies are still not meeting demand. Actavis, Janssen, Mallinckrodt, Sandoz, Teva, and UCB report shortages of the drug used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While the manufacturers report API shortages, Reuters found in 2012 that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) limits API. The API rationing is supposed to prevent the drug companies from stockpiling product that could be used inappropriately.

Recently, Covis Injectables and Zydus Pharms reported shortages of Ranitidine Hydrochloride (Zantac) Injection, a treatment for hypersecretory conditions or duodenal ulcers. The shortage is due to an active ingredient shortage and increased demand. Zydus is beginning to ship the drug, while Covis expects to resupply in November and March 2015.