Here are 10 new shortages and discontinuations, according to drug supply databases from the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. [Beckers Hospital Review]
Editor’s note: The drugs listed are in alphabetical order.
Cholestyramine powder: Upsher-Smith Laboratories has discontinued the 4g/5.5g powder presentations of cholestyramine, used to lower cholesterol and treat certain cardiovascular conditions, due to a business decision.
Conjugated estrogens injection: Pfizer’s Premarin 25mg lyophilized powder vials, used for hormone replacement therapy, is in shortage due to manufacturing delays. No resupply date is available.
Imatinib acetate tablets: Several manufacturers, including Major, Strides Pharma, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Upsher-Smith Laboratories, have reported shortages of imatinib tablets, used in oncology for chromic myeloid leukemia and other cancers. Apotex estimates resupply in late 2025, Teva anticipates a release of early to mid-July and Upsher-Smith has tablets on allocation for primary customers. Alternative products such as Novartis’ Gleevec and Mylan remain available.
Megestrol acetate tablets: Major, Strides Pharma and Teva Pharmaceuticals have placed megestrol acetate, used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in cancer and AIDS patients, on back order with no current resupply dates provided.
Minocycline hydrochloride capsule: Teva Pharmaceuticals has discontinued the 75 mg capsule presentation of minocycline hydrochloride, an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, for business reasons.
Nortiptyline hydrochloride capsule: Teva Pharmaceuticals has discontinued the 75 mg capsule of Nortiptyline Hydrochloride, used for psychiatry, due to business reasons.
Oxybutynin chloride tablet: Upsher-Smith Laboratories discontinued all 5 mg tablet presentations used to treat overactive bladder and other renal-related conditions.
Phenytoin oral suspension: Mylan and Sun Pharma report shortages of 125 mg/mL oral suspensions, used as an anticonvulsant to prevent seizures. No resupply dates are available. Alternative Dilantin 125 suspension remains available.
Potassium chloride capsule, extended release: Used to treat potassium deficiency related to endocrine/metabolic and gastrointestinal conditions. Teva Pharmaceuticals has discontinued all extended release capsules in 600 mg and 750 mg strengths.
Propafenone hydrochloride capsule, extended release: Upsher-Smith Laboratories discontinued all extended release 225 mg, 325 mg and 425 mg capsules, used in cardiovascular treatments to manage arrhythmias, based on a business decision.
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