Drug shortages are a concern not only for consumers, but for everyone along the supply chain.
According to the FDA, in 2013 there were 44 new drug shortages—35 of which involved sterile injectable drugs. The FDA also went on to note that, although there were fewer reported drug shortages from 2010 to 2013, the “FDA continues to see shortages involving older sterile injectable drugs.”
The drugs that most frequently are labeled as being in shortage are “cancer drugs, anesthetics used for patients undergoing surgery, as well as drugs needed for emergency medicine, and electrolytes needed for patients on IV feeding.”
The FDA sent an update out today, November 6th, on current FDA drug shortages. The drugs and their statuses are as follows:
- Atropine Sulfate Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Calcium Chloride Injection, USP (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Dextrose 5% Injection Bags (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Dextrose Injection USP, 70% (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Epinephrine Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Levetiracetam (Keppra) Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Lidocaine Hydrochloride (Xylocaine) Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Metoprolol Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Piperacillin and Tazobactam (Zosyn) Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Potassium Chloride Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection Bags (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Sodium Chloride 23.4% Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Sufentanil Citrate (Sufenta) Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
According to the FDA: “A drug receives Resolved status when the Drug Shortages Staff (DSS) determines that the market is covered, based on information from all manufacturers. The market is considered covered when supply is available from at least one manufacturer to cover total market demand. However, some manufacturers may not have all presentations available. DSS monitors the supply of products with Resolved status. For the most current supply information, contact the manufacturers.”
