Key Medicine Shortages – October 2022
Monthly Update
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Acebutolol (Sectral®) discontinued – all preparations are now discontinued. Following discontinuation of acebutolol (Sectral®) 100mg capsules, Neon Healthcare have now discontinued 200mg capsules and 400mg tablets, with stocks already exhausted.
Please refer to the Medicine Supply Notification on StaffNet for actions required by clinicians and further information.
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Alteplase 10mg, 20mg, 50mg injection – there is a current supply problem which is expected to last until early 2023. There are also major supply problems with one of the alternatives, tenecteplase.
Please refer to the NHS GGC Medicines Information Memorandum on StaffNet for further information and prescribing recommendations.
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Diltiazem (Tildiem Retard®) 90mg and 120mg modified-release tablets – these are out of stock until w/c 17th October 2022. Other brands of twice daily modified-release diltiazem (as capsules) remain available and can support a full uplift in demand. Please be aware the BNF states that ‘different versions of modified-release preparations containing more than 60mg diltiazem hydrochloride may not have the same clinical effect’.
Please refer to the Medicine Supply Notification on StaffNet for actions required by clinicians and further information.
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Disopyramide capsules – 100mg and 150mg capsules (Viatris) have been discontinued with immediate effect. The 100mg capsules and 250mg MR tablets (Neon) remain available and can support an increase in demand.
Please refer to the Medicine Supply Notification on StaffNet for actions required by prescribers and further information, including advice on switching between preparations.
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Temazepam 10mg and 20mg tablets – these are in limited supply until w/c 5th December 2022. Alternative benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics remain available and will be able to support increased demand.
Please refer to the Medicine Supply Notification on StaffNet for actions required by clinicians and further information.
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 04/10/2022. Medicines Update blogs are correct at the time of publication.