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.

Shortage of injectable orphenadrine citrate

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable orphenadrine citrate. This drug relaxes muscles and alleviates acute muscular-skeletal pain. It is in short supply because it is yet another drug whose production Bedford Laboratories contracted out to Ben Venue Labs. The latter voluntarily closed their facility. This drug actually has four US-approved manufacturers, but Akorn and Sagent did not provide a reason why their product is in short supply. Watson states that their product is back ordered because of production delays, with no further information as to the many possible reasons that delays occur.

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.