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This page features the latest news and updates for consumers and health professionals about medicine shortages. For more general information and resources see Medicine shortages.
Medicine shortage alerts
17 May 2022
Shortage of iodinated contrast media (contrast) diagnostic agents
The TGA is aware of a global shortage of iodinated contrast media (contrast) diagnostic agents.
17 May 2022
Joint statement: Prioritisation of semaglutide (Ozempic) supply for people with type 2 diabetes during shortage
Joint statement regarding Ozempic (semaglutide) shortage and prioritisation for people with type 2 diabetes.
10 May 2022
Abatacept (Orencia) shortage: updated IV infusion clinical guidelines
Abatacept (Orencia) shortage: changes to clinical guidelines for intravenous infusion
23 February 2022
Shortage of abatacept (Orencia) medicines
Shortage of abatacept (Orencia) medicines - update and information
9 February 2022
Substitution instrument to address shortage of abatacept (Orencia)
The TGA has been notified of shortages of multiple presentations of abatacept (Orencia) products due to manufacturing delays.
22 December 2021
Tocilizumab (Actemra) shortage: Supply improving
Roche Australia have advised that availability of tocilizumab (Actemra) in Australia is improving but supply disruptions to some tocilizumab products will continue beyond January 2022.
7 October 2021
Discontinuation of DILAUDID hydromorphone hydrochloride 1mg/mL oral liquid
Updated information regarding alternative overseas products approved for supply to address the discontinuation of DILAUDID liquid.
28 September 2021
Shortages of tocilizumab (Actemra) medicines
We have updated the Actemra (tocilizumab) clinical joint statement with the Australian Rheumatology Association and Arthritis Australia.
17 September 2021
Substitution instrument to address shortage of Imdur Durules and Monodur Durules isosorbide mononitrate 120 mg modified release tablets
The TGA has made an SSSI for isosorbide mononitrate 120mg modified release tablets to assist patients to access their medicine without delay.
8 September 2021
Joint statement: Supply allocations of intravenous tocilizumab (Actemra) during serious shortage
TGA published a Joint statement on supply allocations of intravenous tocilizumab (Actemra) during serious shortage.
12 August 2021
Substitution instrument to address shortage of PROGYNOVA estradiol valerate tablets (multiple strengths)
The TGA is advising health professionals and consumers of a current shortage for all strengths of PROGYNOVA estradiol valerate tablets.
6 August 2021
Tocilizumab (Actemra) Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument
The TGA has published the first Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) for tocilizumab (Actemra) to assist patients to access medicines during the shortage.
6 August 2021
Shortages of tocilizumab (Actemra) medicines
Recommendations for conserving tocilizumab (Actemra) when using for COVID-19 treatment have been published.
21 July 2021
Shortages of tocilizumab (Actemra) medicines
The TGA is closely monitoring the supply of tocilizumab (Actemra).
2 June 2021
Changes to the Medicine Shortage Reporting system
We are improving the Medicine Shortages IT System.
4 March 2021
New legislation to support medicine substitutions
New legislation has been passed to allow pharmacists to substitute a different medicine when a patient's usual medicine has been declared to be in 'serious scarcity.
16 February 2021
Shortage of sertraline tablets
The TGA has issued a Serious Shortage Substitution Notice for sertraline tablets
21 January 2021
Ergometrine maleate injection (500 microgram/mL) ampoule
Alternative product approved to address expected shortage
23 October 2020
Shortage of Brevinor and Norimin (ethinylestradiol/norethisterone)
Update - Alternative products approved to address shortages
19 October 2020
Phenelzine (Nardil)
The TGA has authorised two sponsors to supply an overseas-registered brand of phenelzine
19 October 2020
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
The TGA has authorised the supply of an overseas-registered brand of tranylcypromine to address an expected shortage of the Australian-registered product in late 2020
4 September 2020
Shortage of olmesartan and prazosin tablets
The TGA has issued Serious Shortage Substitution Notices for medicines containing olmesartan or prazosin as the sole active ingredient
26 August 2020
Shortage of Estradot (estradiol) hormone replacement therapy patches (multiple strengths)
The TGA is issuing Serious Shortage Substitution Notices for Estradot 25 and Estradot 100 transdermal patches
17 August 2020
Ensuring ongoing supply of medicines during Stage 4 restrictions in Victoria
Medicine Shortages Working Party supports Victorian Government exemptions to allow continued medicine distribution
27 July 2020
Extension of metformin Serious Shortage Substitution Notice
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has extended the Serious Shortage Medicine Substitution Notice for metformin modified-release 500 mg tablets until 31 December 2020
1 July 2020
Children's paracetamol liquid returns to front-of-counter, but supply limits remain
Pharmacies can return children's paracetamol liquid formulations to front-of-counter, but the one unit limit on sales remains in place
29 June 2020
Phenelzine (Nardil) discontinuation
Joint statement on accessing alternatives and patient management
3 June 2020
Critical medicines supply modelling supports return to elective surgery
New modelling demonstrates that supply of critical medicines for ventilating patients supports a return to elective surgery
13 May 2020
Shortage of metformin modified-release 500 mg (multiple brands)
Serious Shortage Substitution Notice for metformin modified-release 500mg tablets