Here are five new drug shortages and discontinuations, according to drug supply databases from the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists:
- Methotrexate injection: Assertio Specialty Pharmaceuticals has discontinued multiple presentations of methotrexate injections, a rheumatology drug used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The discontinued products include Otrexup in the following strengths: 10, 12.6, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5 and 25 milligram/0.4 milliliter.
- Azelastine hydrochloride; fluticasone propionate nasal spray: Mylan Pharmaceuticals has discontinued Dymista nasal spray, a pulmonary and allergy medication used for seasonal allergic rhinitis. The affected presentation is 137 microgram/50 microgram.
- Mometasone furoate and formoterol fumarate inhalation aerosol: Multiple presentations of Dulera inhalation aerosol, a pulmonary drug used for asthma and COPD, are currently in shortage. Affected products include 100/5 microgram, 8.8 and 13 gram inhalers; and 200/5 microgram, 8.8 gram inhalers. The company did not provide a reason for the shortage. Estimated resupply dates range from early to late September.
- Metyrosine capsules: Bausch Health’s Demser capsules, used to treat pheochromocytoma, are in shortage. The affected product is the 250 milligram, 30-count bottle. The company did not provide a reason for the shortage or an estimated resupply date. In the meantime, Ameal Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Reddy’s also manufacture metyrosine capsules, the shortage notice said.
- Sodium ferric gluconate complex injection: Sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose injection, an iron replacement therapy used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, is in shortage. Affected products include Ferrlecit by Sanofi-Aventis and a generic version from Hikma, both in the 62.5 milligram/5 milliliter vial presentation. Neither manufacturer provided a reason for the shortage.
