Dear Colleague

Gentamicin 80mg/2ml solution for injection ampoules
Gentamicin 80mg/2ml solution for injection vials

Sanofi-aventis ltd has announced that due to manufacturing problems there will an interruption to its supply of gentamicin injection to the UK market.

Its ampoule stocks are almost exhausted. There will be limited stock of vials available week commencing 5 October 2009.  Beyond that there will be supply issues and this situation is likely to last until week commencing 19 October 2009.

In the meantime NHS PASA is able to confirm that sufficient Amdipharm Plc product (ampoules only) is available from the major wholesalers to cover the market shortfall.

Amdipharm plc has also advised that if required hospitals can also order direct from Waymade Healthcare or contact Karen Chisholm the Amdipharm Customer Services Executive on 01268 823001 for emergency orders.

Please note that the Amdipharm product is presented as a 10 ampoule pack size and that orders must be adjusted to reflect this.

Hospira is holding sufficient stock to cover its normal forecast demand.

To maintain stable supply hospitals must not seek to increase their ordering patterns for the immediate future.

Both the DH and NHS PASA are continuing to monitor supply and will advise the NHS of any changes.

Yours sincerely

Howard Stokoe
Principal Pharmacist