The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
Consumers and health professionals are advised that this medicine shortage has been resolved and all products that had been affected are now available. The tables below have been updated to reflect this new information.
For further information please contact the product sponsors.
Update 3
6 April 2017
Consumers and health professionals are advised that information regarding the status of shortages relating to Vepesid etoposide 50 mg capsule blister pack has changed.
This shortage is now expected to continue until 5 June 2017 (formerly estimated to be out of stock from 28 February 2017 until 1 April 2017).
The previously provided advice regarding Etopophos etoposide phosphate 113.6 mg (equivalent to 100 mg etoposide) powder for injection vial, Etopophos etoposide 1 g (as phosphate) powder for injection vial and Vepesid etoposide 100 mg capsule blister pack is unchanged at this time.
| ARTG No | ARTG Label | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57483 | Etopophos etoposide phosphate 113.6 mg (equivalent to 100 mg etoposide) powder for injection vial | Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia | Available |
| 77220 | Etopophos etoposide 1 g (as phosphate) powder for injection vial | Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia | Available |
| 10233 | Vepesid etoposide 50 mg capsule blister pack | Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia | Available |
| 10234 | Vepesid etoposide 100 mg capsule blister pack | Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia | Available |
The original table (see the 'Affected products' section below) has also been updated with the new status information.
The alternative product Etoposide 100 mg/5 mL - external site is available and health professionals should read the section titled 'Information for health professionals' below.
For information on the Medicine Shortages Information Initiative please contact the TGA via email at medicine.shortages@tga.gov.au or call 1800 020 653 / 02 6232 8850.
Update 2
16 March 2017
Consumers and health professionals are advised that information regarding the status of shortages relating to Etopophos etoposide 1 g (as phosphate) and Etopophos etoposide phosphate 113.6 mg (equivalent to 100 mg etoposide) powder for injection vials has changed.
These shortages are expected to continue until 1 August 2017 (formerly estimated to be resolved around 1 April 2017).
The previously provided advice regarding Vepesid etoposide 50 mg capsule blister pack and Vepesid etoposide 100 mg capsule blister pack is unchanged at this time.
The table below has been updated with the new status information.
Please note that the alternative product Etoposide 100 mg/5 mL - external site is available and health professionals should read the section titled 'Information for health professionals' below.
For further information please contact the product sponsors.
For information on the Medicine Shortages Information Initiative please contact the TGA via email at medicine.shortages@tga.gov.au or call 1800 020 653 / 02 6232 8850.
Update 1
14 February 2017
Consumers and health professionals are advised that there are current shortages of Etopophos etoposide 1 g (as phosphate) and Etopophos etoposide phosphate 113.6 mg (equivalent to 100 mg etoposide) powder for injection vials and Vepesid etoposide 50 mg capsule blister packs.
The shortage of Vepesid etoposide 100 mg capsule blister pack has been resolved.
The information and table below have been updated with new information.
For further information please contact the product sponsors.
Medicine shortages - anticipated
28 June 2016
Consumers and health professionals are advised that there are anticipated shortages of Etopophos etoposide 1 g (as phosphate) and Etopophos etoposide phosphate 113.6 mg (equivalent to 100 mg etoposide) - external site powder for injection vials and Vepesid etoposide 50 mg and 100 mg - external site capsule blister packs.
All products are used for treatment of:
- small cell carcinoma of the lung
- acute monocytic and myelomonocytic leukaemia
- Hodgkin's disease
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Etopophos injection vials are also indicated for the treatment of testicular tumours.
The sponsor, Bristol-Myers Squibb, has advised the TGA that the shortage is due to an unexpected interruption in the supply of the medicine's active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Affected products
The affected products are:
| ARTG No | ARTG Label | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57483 | Etopophos etoposide phosphate 113.6 mg (equivalent to 100 mg etoposide) powder for injection vial | Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia | Available |
| 77220 | Etopophos etoposide 1 g (as phosphate) powder for injection vial | Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia | Available |
| 10233 | Vepesid etoposide 50 mg capsule blister pack | Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia | Available |
| 10234 | Vepesid etoposide 100 mg capsule blister pack | Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia | Available |
Information for consumers
If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, talk to your health professional.
Information for health professionals
Health professionals are advised to take these expected shortages into account when planning treatment with Etopophos injection vials or Vepesid capsules.
If you intend to switch a patient from the oral to injectable form of etoposide, please note the absolute bioavailability of oral etoposide is approximately 55% with considerable variations between subjects (17-74%). Dosage adjustments may be required.
Please refer to the full prescribing information for injectable etoposide alternatives available at:
- Etoposide 100 mg/5 mL - external site
- Etoposide Ebewe etoposide 100 mg/5 mL injection vial - external site
For information on the Medicine Shortages Information Initiative please contact the TGA via email at medicine.shortages@tga.gov.au or call 1800 020 653.
Reporting problems
Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medicines, vaccines or medical devices. Your report will contribute to the TGA's monitoring of these products.
The TGA cannot give advice about an individual's medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medicine, vaccine or medical device.