7 drugs in shortage

Here are seven new drug shortages and discontinuations, according to drug supply databases from the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. 

1. Amphotericin B injection: Leadiant Biosciences has discontinued manufacturing all presentations of its amphotericin B injection, an anti-infective used to treat serious fungal infections. The discontinued strengths are 5 milligram/1 milliliter, 3.4 milligram/1 milliliter and 1.5 milligram/1 milliliter. 

2. Celecoxib capsule: Apotex and Teva Pharmaceuticals have discontinued manufacturing multiple presentations of celecoxib capsules, an analgesic used to manage pain and inflammation. The discontinued strengths are 50 milligram, 100 milligram, 200 milligram and 400 milligram capsules. 

3. Desipramine hydrochloride tablet: Avet Pharmaceuticals has discontinued manufacturing all strengths of desipramine hydrochloride tablets, a psychiatric medication used to treat depression. The discontinued strengths are 10 milligram, 25 milligram, 50 milligram, 75 milligram, 100 milligram and 150 milligram. 

4. Dextran low molecular weight (Dextran 40) 10% injection: Pfizer has reported a shortage of its Dextran 40 10% in 500 milliliter 5% dextrose solution, used as a plasma volume expander. The shortage is due to manufacturing delays, and limited supply is available in 0.9% sodium chloride formulation. 

5. Dimenhydrinate injection: Fresenius Kabi has reported a shortage of dimenhydrinate injection, used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The shortage impacts the 50 milligram/milliliter 1 milliliter vial. No reason for the shortage was provided and the manufacturer has short-dated supply available with a full-dated product expected by late August. 

6. Palivizumab injection: Swedish Orphan Biovitrum has discontinued manufacturing both available presentations of palivizumab injection, an antiviral used to prevent serious lung disease in infants caused by respiratory syncytial virus. Discontinued formulations are 50 milligram/0.5 milliliter and 100 milligram/1 milliliter. 

7. Valproate sodium injection: Hikma has reported a shortage of its 100 milligram/milliliter 5 milliliter vial presentation of valproate sodium injection, a drug used to treat seizures. No reason was provided for the shortage and Fresenius Kabi has alternative supply available. Hikma estimates resupply by mid-October. 

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