Drug Availability Update

Further to DrugAlert volume 590, 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 are expected to return to normal by mid-August 2020. Succinolin^®, an internationally registered brand of suxamethonium ampoules, has been approved for supply under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The packaging of this product is not in English.

Succinolin^® contains suxamethonium chloride anhydrous (labelled as ‘Suxamethonii hydrochloridum anhydricum’), while the Australian product contains suxamethonium chloride.

Please be advised that 100mg of suxamethonium chloride anhydrous is equivalent to 110mg of suxamethonium chloride (i.e. the S19A product contains 10% more suxamethonium than the Australian registered product).

The following table highlights the key differences between the two products.

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.