Endocrine Pharma News

Shortage of Endocrine Medications

The ESA works to alert its members about **shortages of endocrine medications**. The ESA receives and screens updates from the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) and forwards relevant information.

The ESA Medical Affairs Committee is collaborating with the **TGA Medicine Shortages Taskforce** to improve the process, especially regarding the accuracy of information on critical medications and better communication of alternative supply sources to pharmacies.

Always check the official TGA website for the most current medication shortages.

Recent Medication Shortage/Supply Updates (Most Recent First)

Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch Shortage

There is a current shortage of **Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch**. Patients may need to be transitioned to Ryzodeg 70/30 cartridges and a compatible reusable pen injector (e.g., NovoPen 4).

*(Posted 19/06/23)*

Growth Hormone Treatment Continuity

Information on **Growth Hormone Treatment Continuity** is available via a dedicated document (link to PDF). (Posted 22/05/23)

Semaglutide (OZEMPIC) Shortage

TGA has flagged an **anticipated shortage** of **Semaglutide (OZEMPIC)** for the 0.25/0.5 mg and 1 mg pre-filled pens.

TGA Semaglutide Details

*(Posted 26/04/22)*

TGA Shortages/Discontinuations (FYI)

*(Posted 22/02/22)*

Spironolactone Anticipated Shortage (Aldactone 25mg)

**Spironolactone (Aldactone 25mg)**: Status: **Anticipated** shortage.

*(Posted 27/01/22)*

Spironolactone Current Shortage (SPIRACTIN 25mg)

**Spironolactone (SPIRACTIN 25mg)**: Status: **Current** shortage.

*(Posted 16/11/21)*

Metformin Unavailable (METFORMIN SANDOZ 1000 mg)

**Metformin hydrochloride (METFORMIN SANDOZ 1000 mg)**: Status: **Current** unavailability from 22 Jul 2021 to 10 Sep 2021.

*(Posted 07/08/21)*

Cyproterone Acetate Discontinued (CYPROSTAT 100mg)

**Cyproterone acetate (CYPROSTAT 100mg)**: Status: **Discontinued**.

*(Posted 07/08/21)*

Fosamax Plus Once Weekly Shortage

**Alendronate sodium\colecalciferol (Fosamax Plus Once Weekly)**: Status: **Current** shortage.

*(Posted 27/05/21)*

PREGNYL (human chorionic gonadotrophin) Discontinuation

Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) will no longer be manufacturing **PREGNYL solution for injection** in the 1500 IU and 5000 IU presentations.

*(Posted 13/04/21)*

Key Discontinuations/Shortages (March/April 2021)

  • **Diazoxide (DBL DIAZOXIDE 300mg/20mL Injection)**: Status: **Anticipated** shortage.
  • **Cyproterone acetate (CYPROTERONE SANDOZ 50 mg)**: Status: **Current** shortage.
  • **Acarbose (GLUCOBAY 100mg)**: Status: **Discontinued**.
  • **Glimepiride (AMARYL 2mg)**: Status: **Anticipated** shortage.
  • **Exenatide (BYDUREON 2 mg)**: Status: **Discontinued**.

*(Posted between 26/03/21 and 08/04/21)*

TGA New Legislation for Medicine Substitution

TGA published a web statement on **new legislation to support medicine substitutions** during serious shortages via the Serious Shortage Substitution Notice (SSSN) arrangements. This removes the need for individual state/territory recognition for each substitution notice.

*(Posted 09/03/21)*

Metformin Anticipated/Current Shortages (February 2021)

  • **Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEX XR 1000mg)**: Status: **Anticipated** shortage.
  • **Metformin hydrochloride (DIABEX 500 mg)**: Status: **Current** shortage.

*(Posted 26/02/21)*

Desmopressin Nasal Spray Availability

  • **MEDSURGE S19A APPROVAL**: **Desmopressin Acetate (S19A) 10mcg/0.1mL Nasal Spray** is available on private script only (due to shortage of Minirin).
  • Retail pharmacies may take 7-10 business days to obtain the product.

*(Posted 30/11/20 and 02/12/20)*

Hormone and Related Discontinuations/Shortages (November 2020)

  • **Estradiol hemihydrate (ESTROGEL)**: Status: **Anticipated** shortage.
  • **Finasteride (FINIDE 5 mg)**: Status: **Discontinued**.
  • **Somatropin (NORDITROPIN SIMPLEXX 10mg/15mg)**: Status: **Discontinued**.
  • **Estradiol valerate/dienogest (Progynova, Qlaira)**: Status: **Anticipated** shortage.

*(Posted 10/11/20 and 17/11/20)*