Here are six new drug shortages and discontinuations, according to drug supply databases from the FDA and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Acetazolamide injection: Avet Pharmaceuticals, Hikma and X-Gen have reported shortages of acetazolamide sodium lyophilized powder for injection, a medication used to treat glaucoma, epilepsy and altitude sickness. Avet’s 500 milligram vials are on back order, with an expected resupply date in September 2025, X-Gen’s 500 milligram vials are on back order with no estimated resupply date. Hikma has the product on allocation, and Mylan Institutional continues to supply 500 milligram vials.
- Irinotecan hydrochloride injection: Multiple manufacturers have discontinued various presentations of irinotecan hydrochloride injection, an oncology medication used in treatment of colorectal and other cancers. Fresenius Kabi is discontinuing its 40 milligram/2 milliliter and 100 milligram/5 milliliter injections. Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals is discontinuing its 40 milligram/2 milliliter and 100 milligram/5 milliliter injections. Teva Pharmaceuticals indicated its 20 milligram/1 milliliter injections will not be available beyond mid- to late September or October.
- Obeticholic acid tablet: Intercept Pharmaceuticals has announced the discontinuation of obeticholic acid tablets, a gastroenterology medication used in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis. Both the 5 milligram and 10 milligram tablet formulations will no longer be available after Nov. 14 due to a business decision.
- Pilocarpine hydrochloride tablet: Actavis Pharma has discontinued manufacturing pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets, a medication used to treat symptoms of dry mouth caused by radiation therapy or Sjögren’s syndrome. Both the 5 milligram and 7.5 milligram tablet strengths were discontinued as of Sept. 19.
- Tafamidis meglumine capsule: Pfizer has discontinued manufacturing tafamidis meglumine 20 milligram soft gelatin capsules, a cardiovascular medication used to treat transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
- Triazolam tablet: Pfizer has discontinued triazolam 0.25 milligram tablets, a psychiatric medication used for short-term treatment of insomnia. The discontinuation is due to a business decision.
