Shortages of drugs used for treating patients with hematologic malignancies have recently become critical and life threatening. The following is a February 27, 2012, update on the status of hematologic drug shortages and helpful resources for pharmacists.
Limited Quantities of Daunorbucin Are Available
- Limited quantities of daunorubicin 5 mg/mL in 4 mL and 10 mL single-dose vials (NDC 55390-0108-10 and NDC 55390-0108-01), and 20 mg Cerubidine lyophilized powder for injection (NDC 55390-0281-10) are available through Bedford Laboratories
- Daunorubicin 5 mg/mL 4 mL vials (NDC 00703-5233-13) are available via Teva, but the company is reviewing orders prior to release, and the product is available through drop shipment only. Pharmacies can order this NDC code from their wholesalers through the drop shipment process
US DOXIL (doxorubicin HCl liposome injection) Shortage Continues
- Sun Pharma Global FZE and its authorized distributor Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd, in conjunction with the FDA, are initiating a temporary importation of Lipodox (doxorubicin HCL liposomal for injection, also known as Doxil) into the United States market to address this shortage
- To order Lipodox, contact Sun Pharma at 1-888-835-2237
Methotrexate Injection Shortage Is Acute
- Limited quantities are available of methotrexate preservative-free 1 gram lyophilized powder for injection (NDC 55390-0143-01) and 250 mg/10 mL (NDC 55390-0034-10) with short expiry through Bedford Laboratories. Other presentations will not be available until capacity permits. To access the limited supply, contact Bedford at 1-800-562-4797
- Hospira has methotrexate injection 25 mg/mL 2 mL (with preservative) vials and 40 mL preservative-free vials for direct orders only. Increased demand is cited for the shortage, and deliveries are expected to resume in February and March
Leucovorin Shortage Continues
- Teva and the FDA are initiating a temporary importation of the product. Pharmacists should contact Teva to obtain the imported product. If there are any issues with obtaining the product from Teva, pharmacists should contact the FDA’s Drug Shortage Program
Doxorubicin Solution for Injection Is Available
- Pfizer and APP have doxorubicin solution for injection available
- Bedford and Teva have all doxorubicin solution presentations on backorder
Prochlorperazine (Compazine) Edisylate Injection Shortage Reported
- Bedford Laboratories has reported a shortage of prochlorperazine (Compazine) edisylate injection
Source: American Society of Hematology.