Shortage of injectable methylergonovine maleate

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable methylergonovine maleate. Novartis discontinued their brand name version of this drug earlier this year, and the only US approved generic version is on back order from Akorn. After child birth and delivery of the placenta, the muscular walls of the uterus are supposed to contract, thus ending most of the bleeding from the inner uterus wall. When this doesn't happen, the mother's life is in danger and an injection of methylergonovine maleate will cause the uterus to clamp down. Multiple injections may be necessary.