Drug Shortages

Propofol, an anesthetic drug administered in hospitals, was made very popular when Michael Jackson passed away. Recently, there has been even more buzz about Propofol, as the legalities surrounding the King of Pop's death play out. Well, the FDA announced today that there is a shortage of Propofol and it's generic equivalent, diprivan. The pharmaceutical manufacturer "Teva" has discontinued Propofol. However, Hospira, Inc. and APP Pharmaceuticals are reported has having ample supply to meet market demands.

For individuals suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the shortage of the generic equivalent of Ritalin, methylphenidate hydrochloride, may cause concern. Sandoz Pharmaceuticals (Novartis) are reported as having sporadic backorders, while another pharmaceutical company called "Mallinckrodt" is also experiencing a short supply of methylphenidate. Mallinckrodt's shortage of methylphenidate hydrochloride may be indefinite.

The good news is at least three other pharmaceutical manufacturers are fully stocked with methylphenidate hydrochloride. The bad news is the number of tablets that you will be able to obtain is limited because methylphenidate hydrochloride is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a narcotic.

For more details, click on the title above (Drug Shortages). Also, check with your local pharmacy for availability of methylphenidate hydrochloride, and check with your doctor to make sure the date on your prescription for methylphenidate hydrochloride is recent enough to be filled at a pharmacy.