Physicians Asked to Report Opioid Shortages
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking physicians to alert them to shortages of opioid analgesics after it halted the production and sale of several unapproved narcotics.
In early April 2009, the FDA warned nine companies to stop manufacturing and distributing high concentrate morphine sulfate oral solutions and immediate release tablets containing morphine sulfate, hydromorphone, or oxycodone. This action was taken because some dosages of these drugs did not have FDA approval.
A few weeks later, at the urging of the palliative care community, the FDA allowed the companies to resume manufacturing and distributing the morphine solution. The FDA said it determined that the solution is medically necessary, since there are no similar approved narcotics, and should remain on the market until an alternative is approved. There are approved alternatives for the other drugs that were taken off the market.
Email drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov to report a shortage. All correspondence should include your professional information, name of the drug, your location, and name of wholesaler.
To stay informed of drug shortages, visit the FDA website.
Last Updated: 7/8/2009