Drug Availability Update

Further to DrugAlert Vol 747, HPS Pharmacies wish to give notice that Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd is continuing to experience a supply interruption for the following local anaesthetic products:

*HPS Pharmacies has sourced an internationally registered alternative for these products which may be accessed via the Special Access Scheme (SAS), if necessary. Please note that SAS alternatives are subject to a longer lead-time and different pricing as they must be sourced internationally.

The following presentations of Xylocaine with Adrenaline remain available:

• Xylocaine 0.5% Adrenaline 1:200,000 5X20mL (Sterile Theatre Pack)
• Xylocaine 1% Adrenaline 1:100,000 10X5mL Ampoules
• Xylocaine 2% Adrenaline 1:80,000 10X5mL Ampoules

Additional care is advised when ordering and administering these preparations as they are not direct substitutes for the products that are unavailable. The concentrations and volumes may be different, and the 5mL ampoules are not supplied in sterile theatre packs.

All other local anaesthetic products marketed by Aspen are available as normal.

Retain this notice in a prominent position, including in other related business units until supplies return to normal. Report any problems identified with medicines, vaccines or medical devices to the TGA.

Should you require further information regarding this matter, please contact your pharmacist at HPS Pharmacies, or Aspen Pharmacare Australia on 1300 659 646.