Key Medicine Shortages – April 2021
Monthly Update
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Pioglitazone 15mg/metformin 850mg – the branded Competact® tablets are out of stock until early May 2021 and generic pioglitazone 15mg/metformin 850mg tablets are out of stock with no resupply date. Pioglitazone 15mg tablets and metformin 850mg tablets remain available and can support uplift in demand.
For further advice please refer to Medicine Supply Alert Notice.
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Chloral Hydrate 143.3mg in 5ml oral solution – is out of stock until September 2021. Specials manufacturers have confirmed they can manufacture chloral hydrate 143.3mg in 5ml oral solution to meet demand of the licensed product.
For further advice please refer to Medicine Supply Alert Notice.
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Repaglinide 1mg and 2mg tablets – generic tablets are out of stock until early May 2021. Limited quantities of generic repaglinide 500microgram tablets and branded Prandin® 500microgram, 1mg and 2mg tablets remain available but are unable to support any increase in demand. Unlicensed supplies of repaglinide 1mg and 2mg tablets have been sourced.
For further advice please refer to Medicine Supply Alert Notice.
Why do medicine shortages occur?
Medicine shortages occur for a variety of reasons, including difficulties sourcing raw materials, product recalls for safety reasons, changes to licence holder, and changes to pack sizes.
It is vitally important that medicine shortages are monitored and appropriate actions taken, to minimise impact on patient care.
Where can I find further advice and information on medicine supply problems and shortages?
For the most up-to-date advice and information please refer to Current Medicine Supply Problems and Shortages page on StaffNet.
Published 07/05/2021. Medicines Update blogs are correct at the time of publication