Top 9 current drug shortages

On July 7, FDA updated its list of drugs that are in short supply. Some of the drugs – such as Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection Bags – have been in short supply for months, while others have become more problematic recently. FDA updates its Drug Shortages list when it receives new information from manufacturers about delays.

Related: [BLOG]: Effective collaboration can help to mitigate drug shortages

Dr Benjamin

“Pharmacists are concerned about all of these [drugs listed as currently in shortage], since hospital pharmacists would be having to do things to make sure patients got high quality care in the absence of these drugs,” said Bona E. Benjamin, BS Pharm, director, Medication-Use Quality Improvement, Coordinator, Drug Shortages Resources, Center for Medication Safety and Quality at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

While any drugs in short supply are problematic, 2 of the most concerning injections on FDA’s current list are Epinephrine 1 mg/1 mL and Atropine Sulfate Injection, according to Benjamin. “Those 2 drugs are not available in ready-to-administer syringes that are used in code blues for cardiac recessitation,” Benjamin said.

Related: The 4 most problematic drug shortages

Additional information can be found at the ASHP’s drug shortages page and at FDA’s drug shortages page.

NEXT: 9 drug shortages

Top most recent drug shortages:

• Atropine Sulfate Injection

Indicated when excessive (or sometime normal) muscarinic effects are judged to be life threatening or are producing symptoms sever enough to call of temporary, reversible muscarinic blockade, according to RxList.com.

Hospira and American Regent report manufacturing delays, and Amphastar experienced increased demand.

• Bupivacaine Hydrochloride (Marcaine, Sensorcaine) Injection

Used for ocal or regional anesthesia or analgesia for surgery, for oral surgery procedures, for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and for obstetrical procedures, RxList reports.

Fresenius Kabi says the shortage is due to increased demand, while Hospira reported manufacturing delays.

• Calcium Chloride Injection

Indicated in the immediate treatment of hypocalcemic tetany.

Hospira and Amphastar report increased demand.

• Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection

Indicated to treat various conditions, such as severe allergic reactions, arthritis, blood diseases, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye diseases, intestinal disorders, and skin diseases, according to WebMD.

American Regent/ Luitpold, Fresenius Kabi USA, Myland Institutional and West-Ward Pharmaceuticals all report shortages.

• Dextrose 5% Injection Bags  

A source of water and calories.

Baxter, BBraun and Hospira say the shortage is due to increased demand.

• Epinephrine 1mg/mL (Preservative Free)

Indicated for emergency treatment of allergic reactions.

Amphastar and Hospira report increased demand, while American Regent discontinued the product in early 2015.

• Haloperidol Lactate Injection

Used to treat schizophrenia and Tourette’s Disorder.

Patriot Pharmaceuticals reports increased demand; Teva has manufacturing delays.

• Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection

Indicated for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level, usually in a postoperative setting, according to RxList.com.

Hospira reports manufacturing delays and increased demand, Sagent reports demand exceeding supply and West-Ward reports manufacturing delays.

• Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection Bags

A source of water and electrolytes.

Baxter, BBraun and Hospira report increased demand.

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