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Insuman Comb 50 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml cartridges has been discontinued with stocks being exhausted imminently, notified Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The department has issued a medicine supply notification for Insulin isophane biphasic human 50/50 (Insuman Comb 50) 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml cartridge. "Humolog Mix 50 remains available, as do other biphasic insulin preparations, and the manufacturers can support a full uplift in supply," said DHSC. A copy of this medicine supply notification, including further information, has been sent to all pharmacy NHS email addresses. DHSC and NHSE/I's newly launched online Medicines Supply Tool provides up to date information about medicine supply issues. The contents of these MSNs can now be viewed on the Tool.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for three tablets- Meptazinol (Meptid) 200mg film-coated tablets, Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) 2.5mg tablets and Lamotrigine 5mg dispersible tablets on Wednesday (15 February). Meptid tablets will remain out of stock until late June 2023. DHSC suggested that an alternative analgesic products including non-opioids remain available. Provera 2.5mg tablets are out of stock until mid-March 2023. "Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) 5mg and 10mg tablets remain available but cannot support an uplift in demand," said DHSC. "Norethisterone 5mg tablets remain available and will be able to support an increase in demand." Branded lamotrigine (Lamictal) 2mg and 5mg dispersible remain available but are unable to support the increase in demand as Lamotrigine 5mg dispersible tablets are out of stock until late March 2023.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Temazepam 10mg and 20mg tablets. "Temazepam 10mg and 20mg tablets are in limited supply until w/c 5th December 2022. Alternative benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics remain available and will be able to support increased demand," said DHSC. Temazepam 10mg/5ml oral solution remains available but cannot support an uplift in demand. DHSC suggested: "Where the above options are not suitable, unlicensed supplies of temazepam 10mg tablets may be sourced, lead times vary." The department confirmed that Target Healthcare, a specialist importers, have confirmed they can source unlicensed Temazepam 10mg tablets. "If there is currently no listing on dm+d for the imported product for prescribers to select using their prescribing systems an EPS prescription for unlicensed Temazepam 10mg tablets cannot be issued."

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for antibiotics for the treatment of Group A Strep. "Supplies of antibiotics for the treatment of Group A Strep have seen a surge in demand and may be temporarily in limited supply at certain wholesalers and pharmacies," said DHSC. "Supplies are available with manufacturers, and deliveries into wholesalers and pharmacies are being expedited and are expected in the coming days." If the formulation of antibiotic prescribed is unavailable, DHSC has asked clinicians and local pharmacy teams to consider prescribing an alternative form or strength of the antibiotic where appropriate, ensuring the patient is not intolerant to any of the excipients in the alternative and is counselled on the appropriate dose (and volume) required.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Sulfasalazine 250mg in 5ml oral suspension sugar free; Pilocarpine hydrochloride 4% eye drops; Fluticasone 50microgram / Salmeterol 25microgam (Combisal) pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI); and Dalteparin (Fragmin) 10,000units/1mL solution for injection ampoule on Wednesday (21 December). "Sulfasalazine 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free is out of stock from w/c 19th December until early June 2023. Sulfasalazine 500mg non-enteric coated tablets remain available "IPS Pharma, Nova Labs, and Rokshaw have currently confirmed they can manufacturer sulfasalazine 250mg/5ml oral suspension," said DHSC. Pilocarpine 4% eye drops are out of stock until w/c 26th December 2022. Alternative strengths of pilocarpine (1% and 2%) eye drops remain available and will be able to support increased demand. Specials of pilocarpine 4% preservative free eye drops are available if the licensed alternatives are not suitable. For off-label use of the 4% drops in the treatment of xerostomia (dry mouth) in palliative care, pilocarpine 5mg tablets are available and are licensed for this indication.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for GLP-1 receptor agonists used in the management of type 2 diabetes on Tuesday (27 June). "There are very limited, intermittent supplies of all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) licensed in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)," said DHSC. The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications and it is not expected to return to normal until at least mid-2024. Pharmacists are urged to refer to the SPS Tool for Medicines Shortages for an up-to-date supply stock situation and clinical guidance on alternative treatment options.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has notified pharmacies over the shortage of Buserelin (Suprefact) 5.5mg/5.5ml solution for injection vials is out of stock until mid-August 2022. Limited supply of Buserelin (Suprefact) 5.5mg/5.5ml solution for injection vials remains available in NHS Trusts and health boards. Buserelin (Suprecur) 5.5mg/5.5ml solution for injection vials are currently available, however, this stock is short dated (expires end of July) and further stock is expected mid-August 2022. Buserelin (Suprecur)150microgram/dose nasal spray is out of stock until late-December 2022. Limited supply remains available in NHS Trusts and Health Boards. Nafarelin (Synarel) 200microgram/dose nasal spray remains available but is currently unable to support an uplift in demand (until mid-August 2022 when it can support a partial uplift in demand).

Levomepromazine 25mg/1ml solution for injection will remain unavailable until the week commencing March 7,2022, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said in an update. While alternative medicines for use in palliative care remain available in ample supply to support an uplift in demand, the date supply resumption of Levomepromazine is yet to be confirmed. The DHSC has sent a copy of this medicine supply notification to all pharmacy NHS email addresses. It further informed primary care providers that prescription validation has been temporarily implemented at wholesaler level.

Hospitals and healthcare providers across the UK have been notified about the shortage of an anti-inflammatory medicine caused by a manufacturing failure. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on Friday (3 May) issued a National Patient Safety Alert stating that Erelzi 50mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen will be out of stock from early May until mid-July 2024. "The supply issues have been caused by a manufacturing failure resulting in delays in production and the implementation of global allocations," it said. However, it noted that homecare providers (Alcura, Healthnet and Sciensus) have sufficient stock to supply existing patients until mid/late May 2024. Although Erelzi 50mg pre-filled syringes (PFS) are still available, they cannot support a full increase in demand, the DHSC warned.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Clomifene (Clomid) 50mg tablets on Monday (5 June). It said: "Sanofi will be out of stock of clomifene (Clomid) 50mg tablets from w/c 12 June 2023 until w/c 18 September 2023." "Generic clomifene 50mg tablets remain available from Wockhardt who are able to partially uplift supplies until the end of July 2023. Unlicensed supplies of clomifene 50mg tablets may be sourced, lead times vary. Alternative medicines for use in infertility remain available," it added. The specialist importers- Orifam and Target Healthcare have confirmed to DHSC they can source unlicensed clomifene 50mg tablets. "If there is currently no listing on dm+d for the imported product for prescribers to select using their prescribing systems an EPS prescription for unlicensed clomifene 50mg tablets cannot be issued," said Community Pharmacy England.

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) 300mg and 600mg tablets on Wednesday (14 June). It has notified that the Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) 300mg tablets will be out of stock from late June 2023 until mid-July 2023 and Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) 600mg tablets are out of stock until mid-July 2023. However, generic oxcarbazepine 300mg and 600mg tablets remain available and will be able to support increased demand. "Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) 150mg tablets and generic oxcarbazepine 150mg tablets remain available but cannot support the increase in demand," said DHSC. "Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) 60mg/ml oral suspension remains available but cannot meet an increase in demand."

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Dioralyte oral rehydration sachets. "Dioralyte oral rehydration sachets are expected to be in limited supply until late December 2022. St Mark's solution is available as an unlicensed special and can support an uplift in demand," said DHSC. "Kidderminster formula is available as an unlicensed special and can support a partial uplift in demand. As an alternative to the unlicensed specials, the individual components can be purchased from community pharmacies and supermarkets or prescribed, but there have been intermittent supply issues with glucose powder." Diluted apple juice has been reported to be a potential alternative to electrolyte maintenance fluids in children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration. If there is currently no listing on dm+d for the imported product for prescribers to select using their prescribing systems an EPS prescription for unlicensed St Mark's solution cannot be issued.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published a notification regarding the shortage of Guanfacine 2mg and 3mg modified-release tablets has raised concerns within the healthcare community. This critical medicine supply notification, issued on March 28th, projects the unavailability of these tablets until the week commencing May 6, 2024. Guanfacine tablets, commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity while enhancing attention and concentration, play a vital role in managing conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the scarcity of these specific strengths poses challenges for patients reliant on this medication. Last year, several countries across the globe experienced shortages of medications for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)including the UK, the US and Australia. Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has cautioned that while alternative strengths of Guanfacine remain accessible, they may not adequately meet the heightened demand, potentially resulting in treatment interruptions for patients.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation following 'rocketing prices of antibiotics in the wake of Strep A cases', Sky News reported on Wednesday (December 14). On Monday, the Department of Health issued a medicine supply notification for antibiotics for the treatment of Strep A. "Supplies of antibiotics for the treatment of Group A Strep have seen a surge in demand and may be temporarily in limited supply at certain wholesalers and pharmacies. Supplies are available with manufacturers, and deliveries into wholesalers and pharmacies are being expedited and are expected in the coming days" said DHSC. Sky quoted a spokesperson for the CMA as saying: "People have got real concerns about the price of antibiotics used to treat Strep A, and we want companies to be clear about their obligations under the law.