Ampicillin injection and Amoxycillin injection - medicine shortages

Consumers and health professionals are advised that this medicine shortage has been resolved and all products that had been affected are now available. The table below has been updated to reflect this new information.

For further information please contact the product sponsors.

Update 3 - return of supply of Ibimicyn ampicillin injections

10 March 2016

Consumers and health professionals are advised that Ibimicyn ampicillin 500 mg (as sodium) powder for injection vial (ARTG 92840) and Ibimicyn ampicillin 1 g (as sodium) powder for injection vial (ARTG 92839) are now available. The table below has been updated to reflect this new information.

For further information please contact Juno Pharmaceuticals by email at info@junopharm.com.au or by phone on 1800 620 076.

Update 2 - information regarding expected return of supply

28 October 2015

Consumers and health professionals are advised that new information regarding the estimated due dates for replacement stock of registered ampicillin injections and amoxicillin injections has been added to the table below.

This provides a clearer indication of when these medicine shortages are expected to be resolved.

In the meantime, Ampicillin-ratiopharm 1.0g injection is still approved by the TGA to be supplied temporarily in lieu of the ampicillin injection products listed below.

Update - alternative product now available

11 June 2015

Consumers and health professionals are advised that an alternative ampicillin injection is now available to address the shortage of ampicillin injections and amoxicillin injections as listed below.

Ampicillin-ratiopharm 1.0g injection has been approved by the TGA to be supplied temporarily in lieu of the ampicillin injection products listed below.

Alternative products had previously only been available in Australia through the Special Access Scheme (SAS). There is no need to use the SAS to supply ampicillin-ratiopharm 1.0g injections now the arrangement described above is in place.

Ampicillin injection and Amoxycillin injection - medicine shortages

4 May 2015

Health professionals are advised that ampicillin injections and amoxycillin injections listed in the tables below are in short supply.

The shortages are due to supply disruptions and the inability to meet increase demand; there are no safety concerns with existing supplies of these listed products.

Alternative products available

Alternatives are available under the Special Access Scheme. To access alternatives please contact your hospital pharmacy.

For information on the Medicine Shortages (medicine.shortages@tga.gov.au) or the Special Access Scheme (sas@tga.gov.au) please contact the TGA via email or call 1800 020 653.

Background

The TGA published details of shortages on the TGA Medicines Shortages website on 6 February for IBIMYCIN ampicillin 500mg (as sodium) powder for injection vial and IBIMYCIN ampicillin 1g (as sodium) powder for injection.

Since this time the TGA is aware that other brands of ampicillin injections (AMPICILLIN AG, AMPICILLIN AGILA, AMPICILLIN CH, AMPICYN, AGPEN, PENAMP and AUSTRAPEN) are also in short supply. Consequently, there has been an increase in demand for amoxycillin injections because it is being used as an alternative antibiotic treatment option. This has resulted in the depletion of the current supplies of amoxycillin injections (IBIAMOX and AMOXIL).

The TGA has been working with sponsors and professional bodies to ensure health professionals are informed about the shortages. We have also been working to identify alternative products.

Information for patients

The shortages are due to supply disruptions and inability to meet increase demand and there are no safety concerns with existing supplies of either product.
Enquiries should be directed to the treating doctor or hospital pharmacy.

Information for Infectious Disease Specialists

Enquiries regarding supply of ampicillin injection and amoxycillin injection alternatives should be directed to the product sponsor and/or your hospital pharmacy.

Alternatives are available under the Special Access Scheme. To access alternatives please contact your hospital pharmacy.

Reporting problems

Health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medicines or vaccines. 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 or vaccine.