Here are six new drug shortages and discontinuations, 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.
- Aminolevulinic acid powder for oral solution: NX Development Corp’s Gleolan, used to help visualize high-grade gliomas during brain tumor surgery, is in shortage. The manufacturer did not provide a reason for delay and no presentations are currently available.
- Bumetanide tablet: Upsher-Smith Laboratories has discontinued five presentations of bumetanide tablets in 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg doses, which are used as diuretics to treat fluid retention associated with heart failure, liver disease and kidney disorders.
- Doxazosin extended release oral tablets: Mylan has reported a shortage of Cardura XL, a treatment for high blood pressure and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The 4 mg and 8 mg presentations were recalled in December due to impurity issues found during stability testing.
- Doxycycline hyclate tablet: Teva Pharmaceuticals has discontinued two 100 mg tablet presentations of doxycycline Hyclate, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, acne and certain sexually transmitted diseases.
- Drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol tablet: Teva Pharmaceuticals has discontinued Ocella, a combination oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. No resupply date was announced.
- Heparin sodium injection: Hospira, a Pfizer company, has discontinued its heparin sodium injection (5,000 USP units/mL), which is used as an anticoagulant to prevent and treat blood clots. The discontinuation was due to a manufacturing decision.
