The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in April a shortage of bleomycin sulfate for injection. The shortage affects two dosage sizes (15 and 30 units) and three manufacturers (Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC; Hospira, Inc.; and Teva Pharmaceuticals).
Bleomycin sulfate is FDA approved to be used alone or with other drugs as palliative treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, penile cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, and testicular cancer.
Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC, reported that its shortage is a long-term supplier interruption resulting from a shortage of an active ingredient. The company has the drug on backorder and estimates that it will be available in second quarter 2017. For more information on Fresenius Kabi’s shortage, contact the company at 888-386-1300.
Hospira, Inc., announced that its shortage is from an increased demand and expects the drug to be available in July 2016. For more information on Hospira’s shortage, contact the company at 877-946-7747.
Teva Pharmaceuticals reported that it has bleomycin sulfate injection on backorder and estimates resupply in May 2016. For more information on Teva’s shortage, contact the company at 800-545-8800.