Here are seven new drug shortages and discontinuations, according to drug supply databases from the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Azithromycin injection: Hospira has discontinued its 500-milligram, single-dose vial presentation of azithromycin injections, an anti-infective used to treat various bacterial infections. The discontinuation is due to the manufacturer ceasing production.
- Homatropine methylbromide and hydrocodone bitartrate syrup: Teva Pharmaceuticals has discontinued Hydromet syrup, an analgesia/addiction drug containing 1.5 milligrams of homatropine methylbromide and 5 milligrams of hydrocodone bitartrate in 5 millimeters.
- Hydroxocobalamin solution for intramuscular injection: Hydroxocobalamin intramuscular injection, used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency is in shortage. Teva, the sole supplier, has its 1,000-microgram/milliliter, 30-milliliter vials on backorder. No resupply date has been provided.
- Oxycodone hydrochloride oral solution: Hikma Pharmaceuticals has permanently discontinued the 15-milliliter bottle configuration of oxycodone hydrochloride oral solution, a medication used for pain management. The 5-milligram/5-milliliter strength remains available in the 500-milliliter bottle.
- Sumatriptan nasal spray: Prasco Laboratories has discontinued both strengths of sumatriptan nasal spray, a neurology drug used for migraine treatment. The 20 milligram/100 microliter will be distributed through Feb. 8. The discontinuation is due to a business decision.
- Vancomycin hydrochloride injection: Hospira has discontinued two presentations of vancomycin hydrochloride injection, an anti-infective medication. The affected strengths are the 1-gram and 750-milligram single-dose glass vials. The manufacturer has ceased production of both presentations.
- Vecuronium bromide injection: Sun Pharmaceuticals has discontinued its 20-milligram presentation of vecuronium bromide injection, an anesthesia drug. The 10-milligram strength remains available on the market.
