Propofol and Thiopental Supply Information

ASA has been in contact with the FDA and has communicated its concern about the simultaneous supply problems that are occurring with multiple induction agents in some parts of the country. According to the FDA’s Director of the Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Rheumatology Products in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the FDA Drug Shortage Program is continuing to monitor the propofol and thiopental supply situation and is working with manufacturers to ensure that adequate product remains available.
 
Updated information can be found on the FDA’s website.
 
According to the FDA the three propofol manufacturers are currently reporting the following:

• APP has Diprivan 10 mg/mL injection in 20 mL vials (NDC 63323-0269-20), 50 mL vials (NDC 63323-0269-50), 100 mL vials (NDC 63323-0269-65), 20 mL Novaplus vials (NDC 63323-0269-27), 50 mL Novaplus vials (NDC 63323-0269-57), and 100 mL Novaplus vials (NDC 63323-0269-67) and is currently allocating to conserve supplies and is increasing production and releasing additional propofol this week.  The firm anticipates that supplies will continue to improve over the next several weeks.
• Hospira anticipates that the 20 mL and 100 mL vials will be released within two weeks, and the 50 mL vials have an estimated release date of early-December, 2009.
• Teva plans to have product available again by the end of the year.

ASA will continue to work with the FDA to investigate and address this situation in order to minimize the impact on patient care.
 
If your hospital or practice is experiencing a drug shortage or a problem securing any drug, please contact the FDA Drug Shortage Group. Your report will help FDA address the problem more quickly for all.
 
Further, specific information can also be found at the following links for the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists:

• Drug Shortages
• Shortage Information about Propofol
• Shortage Information about Thiopental