Drug Availability Update
Further to DrugAlert Vol 441, 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:
| Product | ARTG | Current Status |
| Marcain 0.25% 5 x 20mL | 48380 | Expected return late April |
| Marcain 0.5% 5 x 10mL | 11937 | Currently available |
| Marcain 0.5% 5 x 20mL | 48328 | Currently available |
| Naropin 0.2% 5 x 10mL | 52406 | Currently available |
| Naropin 0.2% 5 x 20mL | 52405 | Currently available |
| Naropin 0.75% 5 x 10mL | 52400 | Expected return late April |
| Naropin 0.75% 5 x 20mL | 52399 | Expected return late April |
| Naropin 1% 5 x 10mL | 52398 | Expected return late April |
| Naropin 1% 5 x 20mL | 52397 | Currently available |
| Xylocaine® 1% 5 x 20mL | 48361 | Currently available |
| Xylocaine® 2% 5 x 20mL | 48364 | Currently available |
| Xylocaine® 2% with adrenaline 1:80,000 10 x 5mL | 54520 | Currently available |
| Xylocaine® 1% with adrenaline 1:200,000 5 x 20mL | 12015 | Expected return April 2019 |
| Xylocaine® 2% with adrenaline 1:200,000 5 x 20mL | 12021 | Expected return late March/early April 2019 |
| Xylocaine® 0.5% with adrenaline 1:200,000 5 x 20mL | 12008 | Currently available |
| Xylocaine® 1% with adrenaline 1:100,000 10 x 5mL | 12017 | Expected return April 2019 |
| Marcain 0.25% with adrenaline 1:400,000 5 x 20mL | 125878 | Currently available on restricted supply. |
| Marcain 0.5% with adrenaline 1:200,000 5 x 20mL | 48329 | Currently available |
This supply interruption is due to a fire at the manufacturing site. No other local anaesthetic products manufactured by AstraZeneca on behalf of Aspen are currently affected by this issue.
Aspen advises that the following substitution could be considered during this supply interruption:
- Marcain 0.25% 5 x 20mL – one 10mL Marcain 0.5% polyamp can be diluted with 10mL saline to obtain 20mL Marcain 0.25%
The product information should be consulted for further information on the appropriate use of these agents. In order to avoid medication errors, it is also requested that all staff exercise additional diligence when prescribing, supplying, and administering these products during this supply interruption.
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.
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