Here are six new shortages and discontinuations for April, according to drug supply databases from the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Editor’s note: The drugs listed are in alphabetical order.
- Haloperidol Decanoate injection: Janssen Pharmaceuticals has discontinued Haldol injections in the 50-milligram and 100-milligram/milliter presentations. The final batches are set to expire between May and October 2025. Patriot Pharmaceuticals, which markets additional presentations, has also reported discontinuations with similar expiration timelines.
- Hydroxyethyl starch: Pfizer has reported a shortage of both 6% hetastarch in 0.9% sodium chloride and Hextend intravenous injections due to manufacturing delays. The 500 mL bags are on backorder with an estimated resupply date of June 2025.
- Lanthanum carbonate chewable tablet: Exelan and Teva have reported shortages of multiple strengths of lanthanum carbonate chewable tablets. Both companies have not provided specific reasons for the shortages. Exelan expects resupply in the second half of 2025, while Teva anticipates early April 2025. Cipla, Lupin and Takeda currently have alternative products available.
- Liraglutide injection: Multiple presentations of liraglutide injection, marketed under Victoza and Saxenda, are facing limited availability. Novo Nordisk cited demand increases and shipping delays as causes. Distributed by Teva, other 6-milligram/milliliter formulations remain available. Hikma also has products being released as it becomes available.
- Morphine sulfate immediate-release tablets: Several manufacturers, including Hikma, Ascend, SpecGX and Upsher-Smith have reported shortages of 15- and 30-milligrammorphine tablets. Ascend plans to relaunch the product in coming weeks. Other manufacturers did not provide reasons or resupply timelines.
- Zileuton tablet: Chiesi USA has discontinued its 600-milligram tablet presentation of Zyflo, a pulmonary/allergy treatment, according to an April 1 FDA posting.
