Drug Availability Update

Further to DrugAlert volume 608, HPS Pharmacies wish to give notice that Juno Pharmaceuticals are continuing to experience a supply interruption for suxamethonium ampoules as follows:

AstraZeneca Suxamethonium Chloride
Suxamethonium Chloride 100mg/2mL
ARTG 11988

Supplies of the newly Australian-registered, Juno Suxamethonium Chloride 100mg/2mL are expected to be available by the end of August 2020. Two internationally registered brands of suxamethonium have been approved for supply under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. These products are Succinolin® and Suxamethonium Chloride (Mercury Pharma).

The Mercury Pharma product contains suxamethonium chloride dihydrate which is the same form as the Australian-registered product. However, Succinolin® contains suxamethonium chloride anhydrous (labelled as ‘Suxamethonii hydrochloridum anhydricum’).

Please be advised that 100mg of suxamethonium chloride anhydrous is equivalent to 110mg of suxamethonium chloride (i.e. the Succinolin® product contains 10% more suxamethonium than the Australian registered product).

The following table highlights the key differences between the two Section 19A products.

 

Suxamethonium Chloride (Mercury Pharma) Succinolin®
Active ingredient Suxamethonium chloride dihydrate Suxamethonium chloride anhydrous
Labelled strength 50mg/mL suxamethonium chloride 50mg/mL suxamethonii hydrochloridum anhydricum
Equivalent strength 100mg/2mL suxamethonium chloride 110mg/2mL suxamethonium chloride
Storage Refrigerate (stable at room temperature for up to 14 days) Refrigerate (stable at room temperature for up to 48 hours)

As the labelling of the individual ampoules is less clear than the outer packaging, it is highly recommended that all ampoules are stored in the original carton. If this is not possible, please consider the use of auxiliary labels to highlight the strength issues noted above.

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 Juno Pharmaceuticals on (03) 8888 1288, or your pharmacist at HPS Pharmacies.

References:

  1. Naidu P. Succinolin (Suxamethonium) 100mg/2mL Injection (Pack of 10 x 2ml amps) – SUX100 – Regarding stability data [Letter to healthcare professionals]. Mulgrave: Medsurge; 2020.
  2. Vinchurkar M. Suxamethonium Chloride 50mg/ml Solution for Injection [Letter to healthcare professionals]. London: Advanz Pharma; 2020.

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