Shortage of injectable alfentanil

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable alfentanil. As you might suspect from its name, alfentanil is a derivative of fentanyl, another opioid analgesic which is in short supply. Hospira produces the generic version of both, and has made separate statements that manufacturing delays are due to quality improvements and that it is increasing production of fentanyl. Alfentanil is used for pain relief during surgery. A more expensive brand name version, Alfenta, is manufactured by Akorn. It is also in short supply, probably due to the shortage of the generic version.