Key Medicine Shortages – March 2021
Monthly Update
- Morphine sulphate (MST Continus®) prolonged release granules for oral suspension – all strengths are being permanently discontinued during 2021 due to difficulty sourcing a key excipient. Alternative morphine preparations, both prolonged release and immediate release, remain available.
For further advice please refer to Medicine Supply Alert Notice.
- Diamorphine 5mg and 10mg injection – there have been ongoing supply issues for over a year and availability will remain very limited for the foreseeable future. In NHS GGC, supplies will be restricted to identified priority areas.
For further advice please refer to Acute sector: Memo on StaffNet.
- Midazolam 10mg/2ml solution for injection ampoules – there are limited stocks available until April 2021. Alternative midazolam preparations remain available.
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 29/03/2021. Medicines Update blogs are correct at the time of publication.