Drug Shortages: Actavis, Janssen, Teva, Sandoz, And More — 10/2/14

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published its new and updated list of Drug Shortages through 10/2/14. 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, and Hospira have reported shortages of Irrigation Solutions. The 0.9% NaCl for Irrigation, Sterile Water, and Lactated Ringers have been in short supply for most of the year, causing health experts to issue guidance on conservation of existing supplies. B. Braun states that its products are available for contracted customers. Baxter expects to replenish its supply in Q1 2015. Hospira states that Sterile Water is available but other products are allocated to provide a limited supply to the maximum number of customers.
• Actavis, Janssen, Mallinckrodt, Sandoz, Teva, and UCB report shortages of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride (Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin, and Equasym) used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Actavis states that it is starting to ship the product but still faces delays up to one month. Janssen says that due to a shortage of an inactive ingredient, delays will continue through December and the beginning of 2015. Sandoz states that it is shipping through October but will then discontinue the product. Teva’s product suffered a routine stability failure and the company cannot estimate a release date. Mallinckrodt and UCB state their products are available.
• Covis Injectables and Zydus Pharms report shortages of Ranitidine Hydrochloride (Zantac) Injection, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist for patients with hypersecretory conditions or duodenal ulcers. Covis states that the shortage is due to an active ingredient shortage. Zydus says that it is facing limited supply because of increased demand, however it expects to have the product available soon.

Updated Drug Shortages

In this review, 21 drug shortages were updated. Numerous companies have reported that the shortage of Ondansetron (Zofran) Injection has been resolved. The therapeutic is used to prevent nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy or postoperatively for nausea and vomiting. Mylan reports that Rifampin for Injection will not be available until November 2014. Teva, Hospira, and others report that Tobramycin Solution for Injection is facing delays until Q2 2015.