Drug Shortages and Discontinuations
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Drug shortages can occur for a variety of reasons.The factors currently affecting drug supply are shortages of raw materials, quality control issues which lead to voluntary withdrawal and longer production times for some products and competition among drug manufacturers. The problem is expected to ease somewhat with renewed production in some cases and takeover of supply by another company in others. For more details see the environmental scan on Drug Supply Disruptions posted on the CADTH website.
In the meantime, healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring patients continue to receive appropriate drug therapy. A general protocol to follow in handling drug shortages is offered below:
- Ensure there is a valid indication for the drug. Review the patient’s drug and medical history. For a checklist of criteria to consider, check the CPhA Drug Shortages Guide pg 4 - 6.
- Substitution of a different brand of the same drug (molecule):
- Check the Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan (SPDP) Formulary for interchangeable brands of the same drug; then check for availability of these brands. (Call wholesalers, manufacturers)
- If none are available, is there a non-interchangeable brand of the same drug in the same dosage form? Obtain authorization for substitution from prescriber, start at same dose or a reduced dose and titrate to desired effect (especially important if drug has a narrow therapeutic index) and monitor for beneficial and adverse effects. Follow-up with the patient in 24 – 48 hours, as indicated by kinetic and pharmacologic characteristics of the drug.
- If no Formulary drug in the same dosage form is available, check Health Canada Drug Product Database for other brands that may be available and proceed as above.
- If none available, is there a different dosage form of the same drug? Obtain authorization for substitution from doctor, start at appropriate dose and titrate to desired effect (especially if narrow therapeutic index) and monitor for beneficial and adverse effects. Follow-up with the patient in 24 – 48 hours as indicated by kinetic and pharmacologic characteristics of the drug.
- If no Formulary drug is available, check Health Canada Drug Product Database for other dosage forms that may be available and proceed as above.
- If none available, is there a different dosage form of the same drug? Obtain authorization for substitution from prescriber, start at appropriate dose and titrate to desired effect (especially if narrow therapeutic index) and monitor for beneficial and adverse effects. Follow-up with the patient in 24 – 48 hours as indicated by kinetic and pharmacologic characteristics of the drug.
- As necessary, consult SPDP regarding coverage for substituted brand.
- If no other forms of the same molecule are available, substitution of another drug in the same therapeutic class can be considered. Check the references below for dose equivalence data. This information is not always available. Even when a therapeutically equivalent dose is administered, patients may react differently. Pharmacists should follow-up with the patient frequently until the patient is stabilized on the new medication.
- Rx Files Charts - www.rxfiles.ca
- e-therapeutics + (available at SHIRP)
- Handbook of Clinical Drug Data , 2010, 11th edition - hardcopy text
- If there is not a therapeutic equivalent, check treatment guidelines and recommend a drug from another pharmacologic class. Monitor and titrate to desired effect.
- e-therapeutics+
- RxFiles
- Others, e.g. Healthcare Network Clinical Guidelines, National Guideline Clearinghouse, etc.
- Compounding capsules or tablets in the desired doses when other strengths of drug are available or from bulk powders may be another option, especially in instances where there is not a readily available or acceptable substitute.
In order to provide greater information to health care practitioners and the general public, Canada’s Research Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) and the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) began collecting information on behalf of their individual member companies on current and impending drug shortages in the fall of 2011. Rx&D has now turned over its database architecture (i.e. the former Rx&D Drug Shortages Database) and opened its use to non-Rx&D members (i.e. all market authorization holders) who are authorized to sell medicines in Canada, and who may need to use the site to report a drug shortage. Information is being provided on a voluntary basis. It does not necessarily include all pharmaceutical companies in Canada, and therefore there may be gaps in the data. The new database is called Drug Shortages Database Canada:
medSask is not responsible for the content of this database, and does not assume any liability that may arise from any use of or reliance on the information contained therein. The information in the database has been provided by drug manufacturers, and is presented here for reference purposes only. There is no warranty, representation or guarantee with respect to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of this information. medSask accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions, and expressly disclaims any such responsibility.
medSask cannot accept phone, email, fax, or other inquiries about the content of this information. Inquiries regarding specific drug shortages should be directed to the appropriate drug manufacturer as identified. Questions about alternatives for shorted drugs and drug plan coverage for alternatives may be directed to the appropriate provincial drug information service.
The following tables provide suggestions for handling shortages of specific drugs. This information is intended for use by healthcare providers for general informational purposes only. It remains the responsibility of the healthcare provider to use professional judgment in evaluating this information in light of any relevant clinical or situational data. This information is provided without warranty of any kind and medSask and the University of Saskatchewan assume no responsibility and/or legal liability whatsoever for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained therein.
Fluticasone propionate oral inhaler
Salbutamol oral inhaler
Amoxicillin oral suspension
Dipyridamole/ASA oral capsule
Hydrocortisone 10 mg tablet; French version
Specific Drug Shortages & Discontinuations
To check current availability status of Sandoz parenteral drugs go to the Sandoz website.
| Drug | Availability / Alternatives |
| 5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID (MESALAMINE) |
400mg Asacol® has been discontinued. Teva 400mg 5-ASA tablet (DIN 02171929) currently available. Not interchangeable with Asacol® as per the SK Formulary. For more information: https://www.rxfiles.ca/RxFiles/uploads/documents/members/Cht-IBD-UC-Crohns .pdf and eCPS - Inflammatory bowel disease. Both subscription only but available through SHIRP |
| Acenocoumarol |
Sintrom® 1mg and 4mg tablets have been disontinued. Acenocoumarol is approximately twice as potent as warfarin. See eCPS (subscription). Available through SHIRP |
| Alfacalcidol 2 mcg/ml |
Currently available
|
| Amoxicillin suspension |
Amoxicillin powder for suspension - Currently available in both 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml strengths (Apotex). See PDF for alternatives to amoxicillin suspension |
| Beta-blocker Ophthalmic Drops |
Timoptic® XE (timolol 0.5% - Elvium brand) available. Timolol ophthalmic solution 0.5% currently available. See DPEBB Bulletin #739: Effective July 22,2020 Health Canada has approved the import of Pharma-Stulln Timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution. It will be temporarily listed as a full Formulary benefit and not interchangeable with other timolol ophthalmic solutions. Betoptic® S (betaxolol) available. Betagan® (levobunolol) and generics discontinued. Combination products: timolol/dorzolamide, timolol/brimonidine,timolol brinzolamide, timolol latanoprost, timolol/travoprost currently available. See eCPS (subscription) Glaucoma treatment algorithm for alternatives. eCPS is available through SHIRP. |
| Buprenorphine extended-release injection (Sublocade®) |
Health Canada has approved importation of US-labelled product. See manufacturer's risk communication here. See Bulletin #745 (October 1, 2020) from DPEBB regarding temporary SK Formulary inclusion of Buprenorphine extended-release injection. |
| Drug | Availability |
| Calcitonin, Salmon, synthetic |
Calcimar® 200U/ml (2ml) INJECTION available |
| Ciprofloxacin XL |
Cipro XL 500mg & 1000mg are shorted - indeterminate availability Alternative:
|
| Clomiphene |
Clomid® and Serophene® - discontinued |
| Colestipol |
Colestid® granules are shorted with indeterminate availability date. Colestid tablets are now available. Alternatives: The bile acid sequestrants cholestyramine and colesevelam are available in both powder and tablet form. See RxFiles Lipid Lowering Therapy: Drug Comparison Chart (subscription) for dosing details. RxFiles is available through SHIRP |
| Contraceptives (Oral) |
For discontinued products refer to SK Formulary, for similar ingredients or RxFiles Oral Hormonal Contraception: Supplementary Tables, for similar hormonal activity. |
|
Co-trimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) oral |
The AA brand of the DS, regular and pediatric strengths are available |
| Drug | Availability |
| Daunorubicin | Cerubidine® 20mg/4ml Available |
| Dexamethasone |
Dexamethasone oral tablets all strengths currently available, Dexamethasone Injection 4mg/ml and 10mg/ml currently available. Dexamethasone Elixir 0.5mg/5ml currently available. For information on allocated products call Sandoz 1-800-361-3062 or info.clients@sandoz.com Dexamethasone injection can be given orally, either mixed with syrup or followed by juice or a popsicle. Clinical Resource, Giving Meds by Alternate Routes. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. February 2020. Maxidex® 0.1% ophthalmic suspension and ointment currently available. Dexamethasone 0.1% ophthalmic solution (DIN 2023865) available. |
| Digoxin |
Pendopharm tablets, as well as the 0.05mg/ml (115ml) solution currently available. Sandoz injectable 0.25mg (10 x 2ml) currently available. When under allocation call Sandoz -1 -800-361-3062 INFO.CLIENTS@SANDOZ.COM Pendopharm 0.25mg tablets are discontinued. See PDF for management strategies. |
| Diltiazem, oral | Diltiazem CD, ER - all strengths available - manufacturers vary. Tiazac® XC available in all strengths. Alternatives: Same daily dose of alternative dilitazem formulations Hypertension: verapamil, amlodipine, felodipine and nifedipine XL Stable angina: amlodipine, nifedipine, and verapamil IR are indicated. IR diltiazem and IR nifedipine not recommended for monotherapy. See PDF |
| Dipyridamole/ASA |
Aggrenox® discontinued. Taro Dipyridamole/ASA 200mg/25mg available See PDF for alternatives. |
| Drug | Availability |
| Enoxaparin |
Lovenox® HP 120mg and 150mg prefilled syringes are available. All other Lovenox® products are on allocation. For more information contact Sanofi Customer Service: 1-800-265-7927 or lavalcs@sanofi.com Alternatives: Most strengths can be found in the biosimilar enoxaparin products: Inclunox®, Noromby™ or Redesca® . Please note that the SK Drug Plan does not consider the biosimilar products as interchangeable with Lovenox®. See DPEBB bulletin |
| Estrogen vaginal cream |
Premarin® vaginal cream - estimated availability: Dec 1/21 Alternatives: Estragyn® vaginal cream*, Estring® vaginal ring; Vagifem® vaginal tablets; compounded product from compounding pharmacy* *Not a benefit of the SK Drug Plan |
| Estrogens (conjugated) /bazedoxifene acetate |
Duavive® - Currently on backorder. Indeterminate availability. Indication: Treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Alternatives: Estrogen + progestin |
| Fentanyl injectable |
Sandoz injectables currently under allocation. Contact Sandoz at 1-800-361-3062 Patches available in all strengths. See Opioid Manager for information regarding dose equivalencies, titration, monitoring, tapering, switching and more. |
| Fludarabine injectable | Indeterminate availability. |
| Fludrocortisone tablets |
Currently available. See PDF for management strategies. |
| Fluphenazine decanoate |
Oral dosage forms available. Both brand name (Modecate®) and generic products have been discontinued. |
| Fluticasone inhaler |
Available See PDF for alternatives to fluticasone inhalers. |
| Furosemide injectable |
Some brands are available.
Ethacrynic acid: 50 mg/vial (close to $500 acquisition cost per vial) Bumetanide: IV available through Special Access? |
| Drug | Availability |
| Haloperidol |
Haloperidol LA (decanoate) 100mg/ml (5ml) is available. Haloperidol 5mg/ml (10 x 1ml) Sandoz brand available. |
| Hydrocortisone tablets |
Hydrocortisone (Cortef™) 10mg and 20mg are available. See Pfizer's communication to pharmacies, dated 17 Dec 2020. French version is here. 5 mg tablets are accessible through the Special Access Programme. See PDF for conservation strategies and information related to use in adrenal insufficiency. French version here. |
| Hydrocortisone enema |
Cortenema® will be discontinued Oct 1/2021 Alternatives - Other corticosteroid enemas are available:
|
| Hydromorphone Oral Suspension |
Dilaudid® Oral Suspension has been discontinued. PMS-Hydromorphone oral suspension has been on a long-term short. Estimated availability date: Dec 8/21 Alternatives:
|
| Irbesartan |
As of May, 2021, several manufacturers are recalling various lots of irbesartan and irbesartan-HCTZ. See Health Canada for more information and a list of affected products. Recalls of further lots/manufacturers may ensue. Should irbesartan become unavailable, refer to Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Comparison. This document is being updated to reflect the current situation. |
| Iron dextran injection |
Dexiron has been discontinued For alternatives see PDF |
| Drug | Availability |
| Lorazepam injectable | 4mg/ml (10 x 1ml) available. 2mg/ml (10 x 1ml) discontinued. Contact Sandoz 1-800-361-3062 |
| Losartan |
As of May, 2021, some manufacturers have recalled various lots of losartan. See Health Canada for more information and a list of affected products. Recalls of further lots/manufacturers may ensue. Should all brands of losartan become unavailable, see Angiotensin Receptor Antagonist (ARB) comparison chart for information about switching to a different ARB. This document is being updated to reflect the current situation. |
| Medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension 150 mg/mL (Depo-Provera®) |
Depo-Provera® 150mg/ml is shorted - estimated availability date: Jun 1, 2023 Health Canada has approved importation of US-labelled product. Note the US-labelled product is only indicated for contraception and is available in a prefilled syringe. See Pfizer information here. Regarding interchangeability: If the prescription directs the dispensing of Depo Provera®, a new prescription would be required in order to dispense the US-labelled medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera CI) 150mg/mL pre-filled syringes. See the DPEBB Bulletin for more information. |
| Metformin |
Currently product is available. Some lots of Apotex and Ranbaxy were recalled. See Health Canada advisory. In the event of shortage, see PDF for general information, resources to consult when treating patients with diabetes and options for treating patients with PCOS. |
| Morphine HP 50mg/ml |
Sandoz Morphine HP 50mg/ml 50 ml is shorted due to a manufacturing disruption. Approximate availability date is Apr 10/2022 At this time, the 1 ml and 10 ml sizes are still available |
| Morphine - Slow Release |
Kadian® 10mg, 20mg, 50mg & 100mg are available Alternatives: Pain management: See Opioid Manager OAT: See the British Columbia Centre on Substance Abuse directive |
| Naloxone | Sandoz and Teligent brands 0.4mg/ml 10 x 1ml available NALOXONE KIT WITH 2 VIALS - available through McKesson Contact Poison Control for emergency information in the event naloxone is unavailable. Naloxone Kits are available to Saskatchewan residents without a prescription. Residents may access free health region funded naloxone kits at the following locations. |
|
Neomycin/methylprednisolone acne lotion |
Neo-Medrol® acne lotion has been discontinued Alternatives:
|
| Nifedipine extended-release |
XR 30mg and XR 60mg Mylan brand currently available. Adalat® XL 30mg available. XL 20mg indeterminate availability. See PDF for information regarding switching to a different calcium channel blocker. |
| Nystatin | Oral suspension (Pharmascience brand) available Alternatives: Refer to compounding pharmacy Therapeutic alternatives: fluconazole, clotrimazole. See PDF for alternatives |
| Opium and Belladonna Rectal Suppositories | Discontinued by manufacturer. For information:1-800-361-3062 Therapeutic Alternatives: Hyoscine (Buscopan) injectable, morphine suppositories, NSAID suppositories - See PDF for more details. |
| Oxcarbazepine |
Apo-oxcarbazepine 150, 300 & 600 mg tablets are shorted with estimated availability of Feb 10/22 Alternatives:
|
| Drug | Availability |
| Pantoprazole | Powder for injection available. Sandoz product under allocation. 1-800-361-3062 or info.clients@sandoz.com Restriction: Active GI Bleed; dose restricted Dose: 80 mg IV x 1 dose, followed by 40 mg IV q12h x 6 doses Note: Doses greater than this may be subject to autosubstitution Alternatives: Patients With No Active GI Bleed (i.e., do not meet restriction criteria): Dose: Esomeprazole 40 mg PO or via NG once daily Dose: Lansoprazole Fastabs 30 mg PO once daily (quick dissolving tabs). |
| Phenelzine |
23 Nov 2020 01 Oct 2020 23 Sep 2020 24 Jun 2020 |
| Potassium Chloride (Slow-K®) | Slow-K® (NPN 80040226) 600 mg KCl (8 mEq K+) slow release matrix tablets have been discontinued. Alternative long acting tablets providing 8 mEq K+: Euro-K600 (NPN 02246734) 600 mg long acting tablet Apo-K (NPN 00602884) 600 mg long acting tablet Jamp K-8 (NPN 80013005) 600 mg long acting tablet Note: These products contain the same strength of KCl in a similar dosage form to Slow-K® and are the closest alternatives. However, the products are not interchangeable. If patient is near the high or low ends of the potassium reference range or if patient has a history of frequent fluctuations, closer monitoring after transition is prudent. Note: Inventory of the above products seems to fluctuate frequently. Alternative solid dosage forms providing 8 mEq K+: Micro-K® Extencaps (NPN 02042304) Note: Micro-K® contains the same strength of KCl in a different, yet still modified release, dosage form. If patient is near the high or low ends of the potassium reference range or if patient has a history of frequent fluctuations, closer monitoring after transition is prudent. KCl Oral Solution providing 1.33 mEq/ml: PMS-Potassium Chloride (NPN 02238604 ) Note: Because the absorption pattern will be quite different between Slow-K® and the liquid, closer monitoring of all patients after transition is prudent. Alternative long acting tablets providing 20 mEq K+: Euro-K20 (NPN 02242261) Odan K-20 (NPN 80004415) JAMP K-20 (NPN 80013007) |
| Prochlorperazine Injectable | Injectable formulation discontinued by manufacturer. Alternate forms: 5mg and 10 mg oral tablets available 10 mg rectal suppository Available Therapeutic alternatives: See PDF. |
| Promethazine oral | Histantil 50mg tablets available. See PDF for injectable promethazine for alternatives |
| Promethazine injectable | Injectable formulation has been discontinued by manufacturer Alternate forms: 50 mg oral tablets available. For information call 1-866-926-7653 Bulk chemical listed in Medisca catalogue. Therapeutic alternatives: See PDF. |
| Propylthiouracil |
Discontinued distribution in Canada by Paladin. Australian product by Phebra has been authorized by Health Canada and is available at McKesson. See Bulletin #738 (July 15, 2020) from DPEBB regarding temporary SK Formulary inclusion of Phebra brand PTU 50 mg. Therapeutic alternative: methimazole is the only alternative antithyroid drug in Canada. |
| Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid |
Some Metamucil™ products (powder) are now available Capsules are currently available. Alternatives for bulk-forming laxatives include guar gum. Benefibre is intermittent availability. Fibre 4 is currently available. |
| Pyrantel pamoate suspension |
Jamp Pharma Pyrantel Pamoate suspension 50mg/ml is shorted. Indeterminate availability. Alternatives: Albendazole is available only through Health Canada’s Special Access Program (SAP). |
| Drug | Availability |
| Quinagolide |
Quinagolide (Norprolac®) has been discontinued. For alternatives see PDF |
| Ranitidine injectable | Currently not available through McKesson. Under allocation. Contact Sandoz at 1-800-361-3062. Change to oral route whenever possible: -ranitidine 50 mg IV = ranitidine 150 mg PO -oral solution can be administered NG - however this is currently shorted with indeterminate availability date Change to alternative if required: Alternative H2 antagonists: -IV: famotidine (APX, Omega) – in short supply -Oral: famotidine 40 mg ~ nizatidine 300 mg ~ ranitidine 150 mg BID or 300 mg HS Alternative PPIs: IV: Pantoprazole (currently shorted) Oral: Pantoprazole 40 mg ~ Lansoprazole 30 mg ~ Omeprazole 20 mg ~ Esomeprazole 40 mg ~ Rabeprazole 20 mg Nasogastric administration: lansoprazole, esomeprazole. |
| Ranitidine oral solution |
Indeterminate availabilty. |
| Ranitidine tablets |
Some generics intermittently available. Ranitidine, histamine H2-receptor antagonist (H2RA), contamination with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) has prompted a recall of both the 150mg and 300mg tablets. Testing methodology is being developed by Health Canada with ranitidine manufacturers to determine the extent of the problem, and whether additional H2RA products may be recalled. See PDF for alternatives. |
| Rocuronium | Currently Sandoz under allocation. Other brands have no availability listed. |
|
Salbutamol |
Salbutamol 100ug inhalers and solutions for nebulization: various brands - Currently available. See PDF for alternatives. |
|
Sirolimus |
Rapamune® 1mg/ml oral solution is shorted - indeterminate availability. Alternatives:
|
| Sodium phosphate effervescent tablets | Phosphate-Novartis - discontinued Jamp-Sodium Phosphate 500mg - available See PDF for alternatives. |
|
sodium citrate/sodium lauryl sulfoacetate/sorbitol/glycerin/sorbic acid enema |
Microlax enemas (12 pack) are discontinued. The manufacturer has a 4 pack available for hospital orders. There is no micro enema alternative. Fleet regular and Lax-a-Nema are now available. The pediatric forms of both have been discontinued. |
| Succinylcholine |
Teligent brand currently available. |
|
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
|
See Co-trimoxazole |
| Testosterone |
Delatestryl (Testosterone Enanthate) - available Taro Testosterone Cypionate 100mg/ml - available Depo Testosterone 100mg/ml - indeterminate availability Oral and topical dosage forms currently available. For alternatives: see PDF |
| Timolol ophthalmic |
Timoptic® XE (timolol 0.5% - Elvium brand) available. Timolol ophthalmic solution 0.5% 10ml currently available. See DPEBB Bulletin #739: Effective July 22,2020 Health Canada has approved the import of Pharma-Stulln Timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution. It will be temporarily listed as a full Formulary benefit and not interchangeable with other timolol ophthalmic solutions. Combination products: timolol/dorzolamide, timolol/brimonidine,timolol brinzolamide, timolol latanoprost, timolol/travoprost currently available. See RxTx (subscription) Glaucoma treatment algorithm for alternatives. RxTx is available through SHIRP. |
| Tirofiban 0.05mg/ml | Aggrastat® - MANUFACTURER CANNOT SUPPLY FOR INFORMATION CALL 610-833-6050. |
| Tobramycin inhalation solution |
Teva-tobramycin 60mg - estimated availability: Jan 7/22 Tobi® 60mg - MANUFACTURER CANNOT SUPPLY FOR INFORMATION CALL 844-596-9526 Sandoz-tobramycin 60mg - discontinued Alternatives:
|
| Trifluoperazine |
AA-trifluoperazine 1mg & 2mg tablets have been discontinued AA-trifluoperazine 5, 10 & 20mg tablets are available |
| Trifluridine | Viroptic® ophthalmic solution 1% - indeterminate availability. For information call 800-361-4261. No other topical ophthalmic antivirals are currently available in Canada. Viral conjunctivitis does not usually require treatment, however, cold compresses and ocular lubricants may be used. If absolutely necessary - oral treatment can be tried. Reference: RxTx. https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/. CTC Red eye. |
| Ulipristal |
Ulipristal 5mg(Fibristal) has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market in Canada due to risk of drug-induced liver injury. See: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/74063a-eng.php |
| Valsartan |
As of May, 2021, some manufacturers have recalled various lots of valsartan. See Health Canada for more information and a list of affected products. Recalls of further lots/manufacturers may ensue. Should all brands of valsartan become unavailable, see ARB comparison chart for information about switching to a different ARB. This document is being updated to reflect the current situation. |