In This Section
Dipyridamole Shortage in Canada
July 7, 2023
The Story
 |
Due to production delays, dypyridamole is currently in short supply in Canada, and much of the available supply expired on June 30.
Health Canada allowed a shelf-life extension until July 9 to help minimize the impact of the shortage. A longer extension is under review pending additional data.
Health Canada has also approved the import of dipyridamole from Hikma, a U.S.-authorized provider, and is reviewing a proposal for the importation of additional foreign supply of an alternative drug.
Why It’s Important
Dypyridamole is an essential medication used in nuclear medicine evaluation of ischemic heart disease.
This shortage poses a significant challenge to healthcare providers across the country, potentially impacting patient care and treatment outcomes.
What SNMMI Is Doing
SNMMI is supporting the Canadian Society of Nuclear Medicine in urging Health Canada to support the importation of additional foreign supply of an alternative drug in order to minimize the impact of the shortage.
SNMMI has also offered to contribute any data or additional help that Health Canada or the Transportation Association of Canada may require.
What’s Next
The shortage of supply started July 1, and further supply interruption is expected from August 1 until August 18, according to Fresenius Kabi Canada.
SNMMI will post further information as it becomes available.