• Fentanyl citrate solution for injection, Akorn
  50 mcg/mL, 2 mL ampule, 10 count (NDC 17478-0030-02)
  50 mcg/mL, 2 mL ampule, 25 count (NDC 17478-0030-25)
  50 mcg/mL, 5 mL ampule, 10 count (NDC 17478-0030-05)
  50 mcg/mL, 5 mL ampule, 25 count (NDC 17478-0030-55)

• • Akorn has fentanyl injection on shortage due to increased demand.
  • West-Ward has fentanyl injection on shortage due to supply and demand issues.
  • Pfizer has fentanyl injection on shortage due to manufacturing delays. The 20 mL ampules were discontinued in September 2017.

• There is insufficient supply for usual ordering

Estimated Resupply Dates

• • Akorn has Sublimaze 50 mcg/mL 2 mL ampules in 10 count on intermittent back order and is allocating product upon release. Sublimaze 50 mcg/mL 2 mL ampules in 25 count and 5 mL ampules in 10 count and 25 count are on allocation.
  • Pfizer has fentanyl 50 mcg/mL 2 mL and 5 mL ampules on back order and the company estimates a release date of mid-April 2018 for the 2 mL ampules and late-April 2018 for the 5 mL ampules. The 2 mL Carpuject syringes are on back order and the company estimates a release date of June 2019. The 2 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 20 mL, and 50 mL vials are on back order and the company estimates a release date of late-April 2018 for the 2 mL and 5 mL vials, June 2018 for the 10 mL vials, and late-April 2018 for the 20 mL and 50 mL vials.
  • West-Ward has fentanyl 50 mcg/mL 2 mL and 50 mL vials on allocation. The 5 mL and 20 mL vials are on back order and the company estimates a release date of mid-April to early-May 2018. The 2 mL, 5 mL, and 20 mL ampules are on back order and the company cannot estimate a release date.

Implications for Patient Care

• ASHP has an FAQ on the injectable opioid shortage. This discusses multiple issues including inventory and pharmacy operational strategies.