Key Medicine Shortages – April 2022
Monthly Update
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Digoxin Intravenous Injection – there is a supply issue with all strengths of Digoxin IV injection which is expected to continue until the end of April at the earliest. Please refer to the NHS GGC Medicines Information Memorandum on StaffNet for further Information.
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Fluticasone 50microgram / Formoterol 5 microgram per dose (Flutiform®) inhaler CFC free – these are out of stock until mid-April 2022. Alternative inhalers remain available. A Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) is available and provides advice on the supply problem but please note some information contained in the MSN may relate to NHS England and may not be applicable. Please refer to the NHS GGC Central Prescribing Memorandum (a link to the MSN can be found within the Memorandum) on StaffNet for further information, and advice on alternative inhalers.
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Lidocaine 10% (Xylocaine®) pump spray – Aspen, the sole supplier, is currently out of stock, with resupply expected 22nd April 2022. An MSN is available and provides advice on the supply problem but please note some information contained in the MSN may relate to NHS England and may not be applicable. Please refer to the Department of Health & Social Care MSN on StaffNet for further Information, and advice on alternative agents.
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Oxybutynin 3.9 milligrams / 24 hours (Kentera®) transdermal patch – these are out of stock until week commencing 30th May 2022. An MSN is available and provides advice on the supply problem but please note some information contained in the MSN may relate to NHS England and may not be applicable. Please refer to the Department of Health & Social Care MSN on StaffNet for further information and clinical advice.
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 01/04/2022. Medicines Update blogs are correct at the time of publication.
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